| Maman Joon **
Sprawled on Willie's farm, I touch midnight's velvet fine as soot, and watch Vegas fire flies set lightning to corn. Did you know that sleepy ravens lean on the hickory branch and whisper a midnight mass? Did you know when locusts fuss and whine like us kids used to the wind in the willow says "Hush" just like grand Maman Joon who died today, softly like a candle. She was ninety eight and still sweeping our Palos Verdes driveway far from Azerbaijan. On her wedding night, she sprinkled her chickens and courtyard with rose water and rice. She waltzed to the gramophone that Baba Joon gave her. ** A Persian term of endearment meaning darling or beloved. |
Kambiz Naficy July 14, 1996 |
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© 1996 MANOU & ASSOCIATES INC., All rights reserved