I’m holding a picture

Ahmad took of me

On my birthday.

It’s me from behind.

I know that ungraceful back

Only from home tapes,

A clumsy twelve-year-old wearing

Long gloves 

And my grandmother’s dress,

Playing the hostess

And failing.

My schoolmates are

Wearing costumes,

They move their eyes

Nervously,

They stuff their mouths

With bread,

Impatient to go home.

When nobody’s around

I feel relieved,

I have some peace at last,

And time,

So much time!

To do all those wonderful things

I’ve always wanted to do.

But all I do

is sleep,

Eat,

Check my e-mail.