‘Were She to Ask, and I Affirm’: A Poem by Sohaib Aboona

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Were She to Ask, and I Affirm

Were she to ask, and I affirm
That I’d still love her as a worm,
I’d make it clear (because my dear
Has Northern Cardinals to fear)
The Robins and the Starlings
Would die before my darling’s
Tears went down her little eyes,
And make their songs their sweetest cries.
From Ravens and Bald Eagles’ hair
I’d weave her carpets everywhere;
And like the fairy tales we’d kiss
Till every worm is envious.
If only she could know my love
Would devastate a hungry Dove,
She wouldn’t ask if this is true,
Or question what I’d really do.

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Born in Iraq during the latest war, Sohaib Aboona briefly lived in Turkey before immigrating to Michigan for good. His previous poetry has appeared in Blue Unicorn.