tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679951347508855664.post8365771803601697432..comments2023-09-10T07:12:56.360-07:00Comments on Your Call: How should we interact with strangers?Your Callhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02945695979438982183noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679951347508855664.post-81718392488417740702010-07-21T15:53:01.127-07:002010-07-21T15:53:01.127-07:00Red Brocade
by Naomi Shihab Nye
The Arabs used t...Red Brocade <br />by Naomi Shihab Nye<br /><br />The Arabs used to say, <br />When a stranger appears at your door,<br /> feed him for three days<br /> before asking who he is, <br />where he's come from, <br />where he's headed. <br />That way, he'll have strength<br /> enough to answer. <br />Or, by then you'll be<br /> such good friends <br />you don't care.<br /><br />Let's go back to that. <br />Rice? Pine Nuts? <br />Here, take the red brocade pillow. <br />My child will serve water to your horse.<br />No, I was not busy when you came!<br /> I was not preparing to be busy. <br />That's the armor everyone put on <br />to pretend they had a purpose<br /> in the world.<br /><br />I refuse to be claimed. <br />Your plate is waiting. <br />We will snip fresh mint <br />into your tea.alinoreply@blogger.com