My heart aches for the people of Iran

For the young boys and girls in the streets

Who sacrifice their freedom and sometimes their lives

Standing up for what they believe in

Their hearts are on fire

Their rage against injustice fuels their actions

They know their rights

They know they are deprived of them

And they can no longer stay quiet

It breaks my heart that speaking up for their rights

Can lead to their death in my country of birth

That these young lives are snuffed out so cruelly and easily

As if their existence matters not

I feel deeply for the values they are fighting for

Covering one’s hair is not a sign of modesty

Why should women hide their beautiful hair from view?

All the excuses that are given are just that, excuses

Behind these dictates are the desire to subjugate women

And these things are as clear as daylight to the youth of Iran

These brave girls who die for lighting their head scarves on fire

Will be remembered long into the future

Their lives will be celebrated and their courage will be lauded

Years after those who jailed them or killed them are gone and forgotten 

October 10th, 2022