Maryam¹
        for my mother

They say you loved The Pearl,
a mythical, miraculous plant
that was your favorite flower.

They say its scent is so magical
that whomever experiences it
will forever love her mother.

I just planted some at the entrance
of my home for you to find my love
through the midsummer-blooming poliamthes.

In Persian they are called Maryam.
You wanted to name me Maryam
but then you never cared much about names
and my uncle or cousin or some one said Sheema
(a rare name it was then).

Now at the entrance to my home
the plants shall grow with these memories
of the flowers that Dad always gave you
on your birthdays

…now every day
will be a mid-summer day…

¹Maryam: Both Polianthes (Tuberose) and  Maria (mother of Jesus) are called Maryam in Persian.