The Persian Winter

A fire crackles

A tray of nuts awaits

A book of poetry beckons

Inside, Hafez holds court

Wise and receiving

A bowl of pomegranate seeds winks

A candle burns bright and true

Mother’s quilt kind and soft

The long night outside

..

The Persian woman sits

Focused and hopeful

A prayer on her lips

The book warming her hands

The candle calling her close

The fire whispering her dreams

Mehr embracing her

As she opens the book

The long night outside

..

Wisdom said

Hopes expressed

Fears vanished

Tomorrow a beautiful image

Today a blissful addition

The Persian Winter looms

Warm and kind

Receiving and soothing

The long night outside.