Before my long travel, I pack
my suitcases, stuff them with
some sand from our land,
some scent from my mother’s kitchen and
sounds of birds in the morning.
And in my pockets, I put the four
directions. My hands are the compass.
At the airport, I beg the officer
not to open the suitcases
and, if needed, to touch my clothes
gently. Otherwise,
I would be standing
on a worn-out map.
I would be weightless
in the air.
Before my long travel, I pack my suitcases, stuff them with some sand from our land, some scent from my mother’s kitchen and sounds of birds in the morning. And in my pockets, I put the four directions. My hands are the compass. At the airport, I beg the officer not to open the suitcases and, if needed, to touch my clothes gently. Otherwise, I would be standing on a worn-out map. I would be weightless in the air.