Roger Humes: Too many Iranian poets that I read who write in English are too enamored with the shadow of Shamlu or have become too immersed in Western poetics and forms or too artsy-cutesy. You, my dearest friend, have remained true to your Iranian heritage and the accompanying voice that goes with it. You have developed a unique poetry that transcended both worlds. I would have to label you a true poetic genius. As you grow older and deeper into your poetry you are going to write poems that will be truly earth shaking.

  

 

Hooman Azizi is a brave writer to stand up for poets & poetry of those whose works go unrecognized.

  

 

(October, 2003) On the Invitation of August Highland the editor of the MAG, I Guest Edited the mini-MAG outside the ordinary the March 2004 Issue is out on the net.

I've been in some kind of shock these past few months. I miss mother dearly.

  

 

Loss Lingers
for Sheema on her mother's loss


touched by frost

the last rose wilts

folds in upon itself

seeks solace

in winter slumber



touched by loss

the soul wilts

folds in upon itself

seeks solace

in solitude



frost and loss

both wilt

but for most

of a given year

there is no frost;

loss lingers

a grief

for all season


Alan Corkish

  

 

Immortal

I envy you Spring
with your wild flowers and flourishing smiles
with your elegance and your almond-tree of thoughtlessness
that does not know of the bitterness and pain of my loss.

I look out of the window
I look out of the window
and I wish for some Muguet de Mai
to arrive at my door
and to hear my mother's voice
calling me at the entrance: Beloved daughter
here I am, arrived with the Spring and healing balms.

If this happen,
I promise to embrace
the message of the spring and the Iris
and I will plant a Wild Rose-tree
for the entrance to the house of my heart
so that every one knows of my sensitivity
to the unfading remembrance of her love.

There are times that I am questioned
for my not-crying eyes
so for those who do not know of
my grieving heart, I write
to voice the bitterness and pain of my loss
in the language of every-lost mother-child,
so when the childishness of this heart
is sometimes toxic to the hearts of those
who do not know me and the Marigolds of my love,
even they will bring me
bouquets of Sea-lavenders and love.

Sheema Kalbasi

1Immortal: This refers to the Immortal flowers, which represent unfading remembrance.
2Muguet de Mai (Lily of the valley): means return to happiness. This flower is handed out at special events.
3Healing balm: is the same as the Rosemary flower.
4Wild Rose-tree represents a poetical person.
5Marigolds (zempasuchil): is considered the symbolic flower of death to the Aztecs. This flower is used as a marker. The scent of the pathway aids the returning soul in finding his/her way home.
6Sea-lavender: This flower represents sympathy.


The interview with maniha ...