Tuesday 15 November 2011

My child will serve water to your horse..

"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 come 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."


Naomi Shihab Nye