They persist

Jan6

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I look and listen from a distance

And see a nation in turmoil and pain

People asking for justice and equality

Asking for a normal and acceptable quality of life

But change does not come easily

There is always resistance and pushback

Nevertheless the clock cannot be turned back

People are no longer content with the status quo

They continue to speak up 

Despite the crackdowns

Despite the threats

Despite the imprisonments

And despite the executions

I admire the strength and courage 

Of my countrymen and women

I worry for their safety and security

And I look forward to the day 

When their sacrifices will have paid off

And peace and security and equality prevails

January 6th, 2023

For the courageous people of Iran

I miss me

Jan4

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When I don’t write, I’m not me

Writing has become such a big part of me

When I don’t write something is wrong

When I feel good, I write quickly

Words flow

Ideas are there, no hesitation

The page is filled in a few minutes

And I’ve said my piece

When I don’t open my notebook

And if I do, words trickle down ever so slowly

I miss being me

January 4th, 2023

On my mother’s back

Nov12

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I am the baby on my mother’s back

I still sport a baby-do

My mother is a proud African woman

She feels secure and self-assured

She carries me on her back and a bowl on her head

She can do many things at once

She holds her head up 

As if saying, I’ve got this baby

Stay close to me and I will take care of you 

The world can be a scary place sometimes

But It it full of loving people too 

We rely on the goodness of others

We rely on the spirit of our ancestors

And we take one strong step after another 

On this journey called life

It is OK to be scared sometimes

It is OK to feel pain and sorrow

Those things are part of life too

But for now, I’m here for you 

To help you and support you and love you

At the beginning of your journey when you need my strength 

November 10th, 2022

Nobility

Nov7

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If they don’t treat women well

It doesn’t bode well for the rest of society

If they don’t treat religious minorities well

They will eventually denigrate other groups as well

The thinking that sees one group as better than others

Eventually will see everyone else as other 

Only those in power will be immune to oppression 

When they don’t treat women well

It means one day they will not treat you well

Let’s stand up not just for our own rights

But the rights of every marginalized group in society

This is the sign of nobility 

November 7th, 2022

Marathon

Nov6

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It’s a marathon

Sometimes a bloody one unfortunately

Sacrifices are being made with lives lost or imprisonment

But the energy of the youth propelling this movement is endless

Their idealism and hope for change fuels their cause

They want better lives

They are done with the status quo

They plan and organize 

They march and they chant

And they cannot be beaten into submission

These youth have attracted the attention of the world

People in Germany, UK, Sweden and South America

Have heard their anthem of freedom

Artists are singing their song

The world is watching

Persians overseas and others are walking with the people of Iran

This is a just cause

The demands are simple: woman, life, freedom!

November 6th, 2022

Close your eyes

Nov4

 

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If I entice you with my beautiful locks

Which is a gift from God to adorn my face

The problem is you, not me

If my bare ankles arise in you sensual thoughts

The problem is you, not me

My natural body is to be celebrated, not hidden

Would you cover up a bouquet of roses because it’s too beautiful?

Close your eyes instead!  

Close your eyes if the price of your lustful thoughts

Is my imprisonment under layers of cloth

Close your eyes if you can’t handle God-given beauty

And sexualize what is natural and part of life

Close your eyes

Don’t put me in bondage because of your weaknesses

Close your eyes

 

November 4th, 2022

Love is what life is about

Oct29

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Love is what life is about

The encouraging words of a friend

A thoughtful gift sent in times of illness

A phone call to see how you are

And even though these things happen sometimes

During challenging times

The love one feels 

Makes one feel alive

And cheers one’s soul

Love is what life is about 

October 29th, 2022

Chemo holidays

Oct29

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Chemo holidays are great

What might those be, you say?

It’s week two and three in a three week cycle of chemo

The first week after getting your IV drip of chemo drugs is a right off

Fatigue, nausea, sleepless nights

Food not tasting good, swallowing being hard

Everything out of whack basically

Brain fog

But luckily, there are weeks two and three

And I call those chemo holiday weeks

A semblance of normal returns

You feel like yourself again

You’re not in constant discomfort 

Basically, life is good

Thank God for chemo holidays

When your body can take a break

From the onslaught of the meds

That help you and hurt you at the same time

When your mind can relax 

And realize that normal does return

October 29th, 2022

Being grateful is best

Oct28

 

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At the coffee shop

Sitting in the sun

Watching normal people doing normal things

Chatting with friends

Having their croissants with coffee

Me, I’m feeling good relatively speaking

I’m at the coffee shop, aren’t I?

I wonder when I’ll be back to normal

Normal energy levels

Normal days 

It will be a while

So, I have to make the best of it for now

Who knows what kinds of issues

The people at the table next to me are dealing with

I could look very normal to them

But I know better myself

This is a process I have to go through 

One day at a time

I can’t have my eyes on the end

That’s too long from now

I’ve got to be my best self 

Whatever that is now

Do what I can

Rest when I can’t 

Accept things as they are

Be thankful for the treatment I’m getting

In a beautiful hospital

With competent specialists

It’s always best to be grateful

It leads to a better outcome 

 

October 28th, 2022

Nine days after first chemo treatment