Cypress tree of life
sprung at the foot of the mountains
surrounds the mudbaked architecture
of desert homes
and cools villagers as hot winds
scatter ashes from date palms,
their prophesies settling
from Ghanal to Yadz
like an ancient underwater canal
where jars of grapes and molasses
are paid as dowry
till babes cry and children dance
among pomegranate trees,
their laughter as sweet as pashmak,
then hearts which face the desert
chant and recite the Avesta
that they might see all things as living
like freshly baked bread
eaten with Kalleh Joosh
before it crumbles like the sand
and so desires are quenched
with Shiraz,
poetry imbibed like Ghalat Gold
till one day they are left on the tower
of silence
to be eaten by vultures
who circle the cypress trees
sprung at the foot of the mountains.