In the Middle of the Kitchen by Nabeal Twereet

Mom is cooking Saluna.
Lamb stew boiling and eggplants frying, 
ginger and turmeric permeate the house.
The oval satinwood table and four Chromcraft leather
dining game chairs fill the middle of the kitchen.
I’m 13, taking a bite of okra in my chair
by the stove when my father barges through
the red kitchen door wearing his earflap winter hat.
He’s smoking and shouting at me to not attend
my brother-in-law and sister’s taekwondo academy since they’ve fallen 
out of partnership over their international business.
He tells me that he’ll pay for me to go to another martial arts school.
My father never pays for anything.
After mom interrupts the conversation, telling him to stop
bugging me during dinner, he charges with his cigarette.
He’s aiming for her head, but I use a rising block
and knock the bud out of his hand which lands on the table.
When I sit back down and my father storms out,
I choke up on my tears.
The powdery ashes flicker on the table.

Nabeal Twereet is currently earning his PhD in creative writing from Oklahoma State University. When he is not spending time with his wife, mother, and twin tabbies, he enjoys traveling, watching hockey, and listening to music.

5 May 2025