COVE

For my dear friend, 

I hope this letter reaches you well. I’ve been missing you so much recently and I found this book that made me think of you. I’m sure you’ve heard of the book before, the Rubáyát of Omar Khayyám translated by Edward FitzGerald. Though you may already have a copy, this edition seemed to be made for you. As you’ll see when you open its packaging, the book cover is patterned with grape leaves and fruit in this deep red color. The color is derived from the clay of what was formerly found in Persia. The cover reminded me of you and the clay pots you throw in your studio. You should see if you can allocate some of that Persian clay and throw a pot to put next to this book, maybe even make me one. 

If you open the book to the last page, you’ll see the description of the illustrator Mahmoud Sayah who the page refers to as “a fellow countryman of the poet." If you flip through the pages you’ll see his illustrations throughout the book, beautiful vibrant pieces of art. Sayah was inspired by Persian miniatures, as was your favorite painter Kamāl al-Dīn Bihzād. I know you love his miniatures and Sayah’s illustrations reminded me of your fascination and I thought you might enjoy Sayah’s work. When I was packaging the book to send your way, I was trying to imagine which one might be your favorite illustration but, I can’t be certain till you see it. My favorite is on page seventeen, it sits on the page next to stanza twenty one of the poem with one of my favorite lines from the book: “Lo! Some we loved, the loveliest and best," and you my dear friend are one of the loveliest friends I’ve ever had. 

I was so pleased to read your last letter and to find some of your most recent artworks inside. I took notice of the shimmering gold leaf you used, and I think you might find some of that similar shimmering gold on the spine of the book, the title is printed in this beautiful gold lettering. Please do send more of your work when you have some, I love seeing it and hanging it on my walls. I keep the most recent piece hung in the hallway to my kitchen, I always think of you on my way to make myself something to eat. 

But, the most brilliant part of all, the rotating patterns printed on each page are littered with animals and insects native to Persia. I recall you telling me of your father’s adoration of entomology, and perhaps these pages might remind you of him once again. The peacock pattern is certainly the most striking, yet, my favorite of the patterns is the one with the gorgeous butterflies. Remember that day we had lunch in the park and that monarch butterfly landed on our picnic blanket. Since then, everytime I see a butterfly, I think of you trying to gently get your phone out and snap a photo without startling the butterfly. 

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I imagine you will, and don’t forget to tell me what you think of it! 

Your friend,

Zoe