Anna Mindel Crawford

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Not quite outside the house, they decorated the doorway.
Not quite inside the house, piled so high they covered the mezuzah.
Not quite appropriate for traditions of simplicity over extravagance,
soul over body which withers like a flower.
Not quite disrespectful to send them when intentions were good.
Not quite disrespectful to refuse them, when the excuse was bereavement.
Should the grieving worry about offending others?
They were not quite ignorant enough to ignore our grief.
They were not quite inclusive enough to know our culture.
We were not quite assimilated enough to adopt their culture.
We were not quite willing to accept the gesture, bury ancient beliefs.
Not quite offended enough to explain our beliefs.
Or perhaps not quite comfortable enough?
Not quite outside the house, the flowers were never discarded.
Not quite inside the house, they wilted on the doorstep.

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Anna Mindel Crawford’s poetry has appeared in publications including Interpreter’s House, Eche, Ink, Sweat & Tears and Propel Magazine, and has placed in several competitions, including in 2025: Edward Thomas Competition, Winchester Poetry Prize, Wolverhampton and Richmond Arts Festivals.