Language

by Aref Moalemi

Between the deaf and the mute
silence speaks in sign language—
maybe the last living tongue
left
if they don’t cut off their hands.

In their fingers
touch and speech are the same thing.
A glass breaks under the sentence of their palms.
The blood that spills
is telling the story
in what language?

Aref Moalemi is an Iranian poet, born in 1996. His published works include Pause of the Storm and Individual Gathering. He has received several awards, including recognition at the Wingless Dreamer International Festival in India, as well as national honors such as the Mim Moayed Festival, the Simorgh Festival, and the Faraspid Festival.