Phantom Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Phantom

I was child in Tehran,
A grocer, Baqqal.

We had a baby lamb,
Tied to pole, near shop.

I fed it as friend,
Aware and unaware
Of the pet's future…

Once took knife to slice
Skin of watermelon…

Suddenly, knife slipped,
Gave me cut, quite deep.

The nail of my left thumb
Is witness, to this time…

After years, I became officer,
Saw Phantoms, flew plane.

Was advised to like it,
As a Fighter, Bomber…

Now, in touch with Afghans,
Thoughts go back to Tehran.

Remember the poor lamb,
Killed after was well-fed.

It was used as machine
To give us fat and meat.

Sad, stand by the walls,
See phantom on Afghans,
Though looted, US claims
To be their best friend!

Get sick in stomach
Inhale pains, to it laugh.