By Mohja Kahf

I am just another one of the world’s liars
believe me
I have a few charms
worn-out peddler’s trinkets
with grand names like beauty
friendship, truth, passion
—and this one’s a real item, sometimes
I even buy it myself: love
Check my record; odds
are not in your favor
that I won’t sell out
my goods, bolt by night
deny you three times
before the cock has crowed
Consider this fair warning:
never fall for my spiel
If you do
and end up with a huge bill
for damage done
never forgive me
 

• Living

Poet Bio

Poet and scholar Mohja Kahf was born in Damascus, Syria. Her family moved to the United States in 1971, and Kahf grew up in the Midwest. Kahf’s experiences growing up in the United States shaped her perceptions of the differences and similarities between the cultures of her home and adopted countries. Kahf is a professor of English at the University of Arkansas. See More By This Poet

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