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The phyllo dough and chopped pistachios
In layers, sweetened by the lavish flows
Of honey, have been baked and then reduced
To bite-sized pieces, which are mass produced
And then distributed throughout Iraq
To meet demand for this delicious snack.
So now the guests receive the sweet dessert
And placing cream on top of it insert
The fine confection in between their lips.
Then as they separate the tiny strips
Of wafer in their mouths, the sheer delight
Is evident to all of the polite
Inhabitants who watch for any sign
Of discontent that must not undermine
The reputation of the family name.
Now to avoid this overwhelming shame
The local cleric presses on his guests
Another piece, but each of them protests
That he has satisfied his appetite
And cannot feed himself another bite.
