Portside

We were frightened.

The gardener, Eesa,

(Jesus in Persian)

told me to run to the kitchen

to get a piece of bread

a handful of salt

for the snake

in the garden.

My mother didn't question me

she knew what Eesa knew.

Never strike a snake 

with a shovel, its mate 

will come and find you.

Instead, offer your bread

offer your salt 

set them on earth

in your garden 

plead with the snake 

to leave the children

and your household

in peace.

Esther Kamkar was born in Tehran, Iran and lived in Jerusalem for seven years before emigrating to the United States. A poet and artist, she lives in Palo Alto, California. She has published three books of poetry, most recently Of Such Things. Individual poems have appeared in anthologies and literary journals in the US and abroad. You can find more information at www.estherkamkar.com.