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.

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.

"Red Brocade"
Naomi Shihab Nye


I am back, mostly with food for entertaining, some with and some without photos. I've been throwing a dinner party a week all semester, but rarely took photos.

Just bare with me, and we'll get back to sharing recipes, stories and yes, a little Jesus here and there.