Why do I spend so much of my time
With my friends around the world
On our WhatsApp group or on Zoom?
Why do I try to read every post?
Why have I done that for the past five years without fail?
OK, during two trips I was delinquent
There is a bond that connects us that goes far back in time
New bonds have been created in recent years
The space in which we meet is a positive one
With words of wisdom
With poetry and song
With artistic photographs
With chit chat of good friends
With laughter and joy
Why would I not want to go back?
In this world full of challenges
We need these kind of spaces
Safe spaces
Kind spaces
Happy spaces
Where we can express ourselves
Widen our horizons
Learn new things
Or simply be with our friends
So much love and effort
Has been put in this space over the years
It’s like a building that has been built
A fortress
A fortress to keep us safe during difficult times
This fortress is made of love
August 9th, 2020
ps: This group of friends is made of over one hundred classmates who went to high school together is the late 1970’s in Iran. Now, we live all over the world, spending time together in the virtual world, as well as coming together in person.