by Roya Hakkakian
translated by A.D.
A handful of mud
a hundred tear drops
three rubies
were my life's secrets
When I was molten
there were no molds
whose hold would make me beautiful
Nor was there a statue
to emulate
So then, with two trembling hands
I pounded a hammer on my own shape
I fell apart
let out a deep sigh
and recreated myself.
