Common Sense in the Face of Danger
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.