A Woman Defined

Gone to Pick Flowers
Where is Mahvash?
She has gone to the garden to pick flowers.
But there is a man here waiting for her!
He is nervous and shy.
He is pacing the room impatiently.

Where is Mahvash?
She has gone to the garden to pick flowers.
But there is a child here waiting for her; his silky brown hair is neatly combed to one side.
Now he is wearing a navy-blue suit. Now he is standing in the school’s doorway.
Now he is running through the football field. Now he is holding a briefcase.
Now he has deep lines around his eyes – he is already getting old.

Where is Mahvash?
She has gone to the garden to pick flowers.
But there is work here for her to do!
There are dishes to be washed, there are clothes to be ironed!
Eggs to be fried, letters to be mailed!
Her wedding dress, worn out and heavy with dust, is hanging in her closet.
Her business suit is missing a button.
Her cast from when she fell and broke her leg is still in the garage!

Where is Mahvash?
She has gone to pick flowers from the garden.
But there is an old couple here who are waiting for her!
They are on their deathbed, dying of old age.
Their eyes are fixed on the door,
Waiting for her to arrive.

Where is  Mahvash?
She has gone to pick flowers from the garden.
But the fridge is empty!  The house is cold!  The fire is out!
Her husband is losing his patience—his shirts are not back from  the dry-cleaners yet!
He is getting old, he is getting forgetful,
And he is getting religious.

But where is Mahvash?
She has gone to pick flowers from the garden.
But her son has grown into a man and left home!
Her husband is old and retired!
Her parents are already dead and buried.
Her house now needs a good Spring cleaning!

But where is Mahvash?
She has gone to pick flowers from the garden.

Tags: Mahvash Mossaed, Poem, poems, Poetry

Posted in Mahvash Mossaed, Poetry |