Middle East

WINTER GARDEN REBORN, NEW YORK CITY
September 2003

In the United Arab Emirates
In Dubai
In the shiny white and gold airport
Palm trees were growing
Around my neck was a necklace
Shaped like the beams that fell
When the tower collapsed and killed
Because of men from this part of the world
I hid the necklace underneath my clothes
Afraid that it symbolized the revenge of my country
Fearing the cross was the sign of an enemy
Instead of the death of a man from this part of the world
I had wanted to leave origami cranes for peace
On the seats in the boarding area for my plane
But the guards with the rifles scared me
And I couldn’t stop the furious thought that
In New York City
Where the World Trade Center used to stand
In the shattered and ash-filled Winter Garden
The palm trees were dead