Singularity
for Suhanni
Even among stars she’s a dazzlerthis three-year-old, doe-eyed, brown dwarf
Spunky as sparked hydrogen she orbitsthe kitchen in Black Panther pjs
or revolves past, breezily ballooningher pink princess petticoat
electrically, eclectically radianteyes two blazing sunspots
erupting with mischief and mirthblack hair a nebula of tangles
combed into a constellationof rainbowed-bead-bound braids
circling a dimpled sphere of faceglowering or aglow
petulant or persuasiveShe is diva-licious
She is revolutiona seed-speck of dust
layered in light and shadowlike a black pearl, light years ahead of us
She brings you one by one her galaxyof dolls, inviting you into her world
The attraction is irresistibleThe point is always her
singularityher being celestial
leaving you eternally star-struckas stars do
Winter Melon Soup
For the children of Noy S.H., 90
The day you buried your mother I rememberedMrs. Noy’s winter melon soup each warm swallowsinging in the throat a small bird
flew…
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The American Poetry Review (Digital) - 1 Issue, September/October 2020