Jawal Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Jawal

In times I
Lovingly find myself
Staring at something and chatting,

In such times I act as
The lovers
On their backs after sex
Looking up to ceiling
Ashtray on man's chest
And smoke curling wild
In space
As if an Indian in dancing
Manipuri
Bare bodies covered with
White bed-sheet.

Today is time for leaves
On trees!
Off trees!
Steady or dancing in breeze
Fallen or haphazard
Kiss, release…

I talk of memories.

In autumn or the fall
Men would find a tough bush
Tied it tight to stick
A start to sweep the dead leaves
Then push them, squeeze
In hair-bag called Jawal!
Later came the time for
Move, carry on their backs or on beast
All the way for the goats and the sheep
In winter!

Doors closed by the ice and snow!
Their way was "Miracle! "
Stored leaves with manner
Top came down
Only when the lower was consumed
By goats, sheep.