A Brainy King Poem by Alon Calinao Dy

An Arab man greeted me,
'As-salamu alaykum.'
(Peace be upon you)
'Wa alaykum s-salam, '
(Peace be with you too)
I answered politely.

Then suddenly,
He asked me,
'Fen Hammam? '
(Where is the toilet?)
I said, 'Asif. La a'rif, sir.'
(Sorry. I don't know, sir)

He further commented,
'Lesh, mafi muk! '
(Why, you have no brain!)
I just smiled,
And he disappeared.

...In the Middle East,
You should learn something-
Basic Arabic phrases at least.
So, you won't end up like me-
Miscalculated
By this brainy king!

Therefore,
Lessons for that day:
Understand someone's shoes,
Be careful what you wish for,
And watch out every word you say
For it may all speak about you.