Red Brocade

The Arabs used to say
when a stranger appears at your door
feed him for three days
before asking who he is
where he’s from
where he’s headed
that way,
he'll have strength enough to answer.
Or by then you'll be such good friends
you don't care.

Let's go back to that
Rice? Pine nuts?
Here, take the red brocade pillow.
My child will serve water
to your horse.

No, I was not busy when you came!
I was not preparing to be busy.
That's the armor everyone put on
to pretend they had a purpose
in the world.

I refuse to be claimed.
Your plate is waiting.
We will snip fresh mint
into your tea.

-Naomi Shihab Nye