Fake Za’atar and Spring and Something Else

Recorded at the YMCA Metro Central on November 2, 2015

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On Seeing My Last Name

the landlady asks if I’m Slavic and I say yes, at least the last name is. And she says Slavic women are the best— at what exactly, I can only guess. But I’m not really. Slavic, I mean . . .

Showcase

My ballet slippers are white as new My tutu is glittery and blue I kiss her on the cheek and here I go Off to the stage and see me glow Walk up the ladder, light dim, silence like no other My heart is pounding in my head, almost feels like I’m about to urinate Applause starts and down from the ceiling here I go Back straight, arms delicate now walk like a feather I am nervous and get the chills like cold weather I want to remind mommy’s little girl how we used to dance together No matter what obstacle, I’ll make it better I’ll always dance for her even if she is in a wheelchair The music of the violin was what she loved the most And the beach and the sand massaging her feet was her favorite memory But now things changed, despite I can’t hear her talk or see her dance I just need a smile and that’s what makes me feel marvelous Two weeks till the X-ray I pray that at least halfway she will make it okay Happy is where I would love her to stay And one day again we will dance ballet This dance is for her I would love her to know that dreams do come true Because here I am dancing for her Me being the swan in this play and defeating her pain This is my greatest joy and the end to this play A smile I got from her today Applause too for my first showcase  . . .