عشق آمریکایی من (هفت. گل کاغذی)

My American Love

        Thirty-Two Poems for Wendy

Seven.

Bougainvillea

by

Majid Naficy

You and I planted this flower

And placed it on my balcony

So when you are not here

I find your image

On its paper petals.

I tilt the red pitcher

To water our bougainvillea.

It touches the flower’s long stem

And peeks under her skirt.

She is standing on tiptoe

Peering out over the railing

To bring the news of your return.

July 11, 2003

POEMS: 1. On the Bridge, 2. I Hope the Water Returns, 3. Empty Baskets ۴. Coffee Maker ۵. Anxious Heart ۶. Washing ۷. Bougainvillea ۸. Simple Truth