arabs in finland
their language rolls out,
soft carpet in front of them.
strolling slowly beneath trees,
men in white shirts,
belts, baggy trousers,
women in scarves,
glinting cigarettes in the dusk.
what they left to be here, in the cold country,
where winter lasts forever,
haunts them in the dark--
golden hue of souk in sunlight,
gentle calling through streets that said, brother,
sit with me a minute, on the small stool
with the steaming glass of tea. sit with me.
we belong together.
by naomi shihab nye (born 1952)
(photo by victoria schultz)
Ha, ha, first I thought it was snowing by you! Arabs must feel very lonely in Finland. Such a different country and culture!
ReplyDeleteYes! I was glad to have a photo from Victoria :)
DeleteDid she take it last winter?
DeleteYes, when she returned home in November of last year she sent it to me.
DeleteAh, she sent the picture!
ReplyDelete