To My Olive Tree

Mays Salamah (She/Her)

To my future olive tree, on the day of your planting,

I may never get to taste your fruit,

Dip bread in your oil,

Or sit in your shade;

But I plant you anyway

So that the kids who call me

Auntie

Khalto

Aamto

Can.

And if they cannot,

Their children,

Niblings,

& more

Will get to nurture you

& enjoy all you have to offer.

meet me

under my olive tree

we will dance

& marvel at the moon

we will kiss

& eat ma’amoul.

its blossoms will fall into our curls,

& make us laugh,

make us think of snow

& fill us with childlike wonder.

meet me under my olive tree

& we will rejoice

& be free.