Diplomatic

At a diplomatic gathering

an ambassador’s wife

smiles sweetly

as I’m introduced as a poet

(a term I’ll always wear

like a size 14 dress

on my size 8 frame)

I smile back

embarrassed

hoping I can talk about the weather

the cricket world cup final

which we might win

or the war

which no one will

but her next question’s one of

mild surprise

“you write in English?”

and my smile turns

apologetic

for a reason that can’t find its voice

in poetry or prose

so I nod a diplomatic yes

and grab a drink from

a passing tray.

(April, 2007) - From Stitch Your Eyelids Shut