Nostalgia Recipe

Start with Iraqi tea,
Late at night.
Let the moon greet you,
And sprinkle in the winks of stars.

Now add the old stories,
Visiting generously,
Uninvited but welcome.
Sip your tea,
Feel the heat of the fire rise.

And here you are again—
In that day, that hour, that moment.
In the same clothes,
Seeing the same scene.

You cry,
Reciting poetry,
Hoping your soul will return to you one day,
Like a white bird,
So you’ll know peace,
Even if just for a moment.

You cry until the tea finishes—
And so do your longings.

Until the next time,
Of tea and longing.