Wren Horne-Sarkees

gathered around the table 

a great mezze 

heaps of tabbouleh 

freshly chopped parsley, softened bulgur wheat, 

puckering lemon puddles, vine-grown tomatoes 

Note: The tomato was introduced to the Middle East by British consul John Barker circa 1800.

towers of dolmas 

each grape leaf picked by hand, 

wrapped with an auntie’s love, 

stuffed with rice and vegetables, and canned tomato paste 

Note: The tomato was introduced to the Middle East by British consul John Barker circa 1800.

stores of food 

depleted, drained, 

imports blocked, tomato vines crushed 

Note: The tomato was introduced to the Middle East by British consul John Barker circa 1800.

sounds of drones 

humming 

buzzing 

yelling 

shrieking 

Note: The tomato was introduced to the Middle East by British consul John Barker circa 1800.

a whistle in the air 

lower 

lower 

lower 

lower 

there fell foreign fruit