Golbahar Used to Live in Kabul

Last summer she baked like a goose,
but the snow and ice in Paktikā
are cold as gunmetal casings
from the latest empty celebration,

but not as empty as Delaram was
who jumped head first in the Gomal
after taking her burqa off,
revealing a sumptuous body.

Baitullah just sat there, drinking his tea,
swearing "we'll kill them, Brother,
if God wills it," flicking horseshit
from fingers, boots, and pantaloons.

Golbahar thanked Allah for Pine-Sol
as she entered-quote-the powder room,
only because she once studied English.
She feels like she's going to puke

but squats instead as she looks at the gap
between her knees and rubs her thighs,
telling herself it's just to keep warm,
inserting a finger, looking for love.