March 2022
Joseph Miano
jmiano@cox.net
jmiano@cox.net
Bio Note: I am a retired physics teacher who has written poems ever since High School. I have taught in Kenya with the Peace Corps, South Bend, Indiana, and Oklahoma City. Recently I have published an historical fiction novel, A Thief in the African Night: The Conflict of Change available on Amazon. It includes a few of my poems.
Song on Afghanistan
What is your name?
My name is Zara
But they call me Saffron
My symbol is fire
I was a lawyer.
What is your name?
My name is Zatiqullah
But they call me Iron
My symbol is strength
I was an officer.
What is your name?
My name is Atul
But they call me Mentha
I cared for the sick
I studied medicine.
Why did you leave?
Evil men came
They beat us
Chased us
We ran.
What of your brother?
Your sister, called Cumin?
She is love and fidelity
They are now in Qatar.
How is your father?
He is Azar?
But they call him peppercorn.
He burns some each night
To destroy negative thoughts.
He sold motor vehicles in Kabul
Now he has not even one.
And how is life now?
Much is missing
But we are warm and safe
And God is great!
©2022 Joseph Miano
Editor's Note: If this poem(s) moves you please consider writing to the author (email address above) to say what it is about the poem you like. Writing to the author is what builds the community at Verse Virtual. It is very important. -JL