Afsaneh Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Afsaneh

Went to meet somebody
-Abraham, called "Ebi"
-whose name was exactly
-the same as my colleague

We met in USA
-Air Force Base
-named: "Mather"

Soon became too close
-read the books of Carl Marx
-and of Che, his revolt
-and others of that kind

He was a communist
-I was not
-but was, am socialist

In Iran, in hiding
-different in our ways
-we opposed shah's system

Till that day…

Went to base in Tehran
-both worked in Mehrabad
-same was our Squadron

Both had been attending
-the call for a meeting
-now against Khomeini

I'd returned home and safe
-knew not what happened
-to Ebi, my friend…

"Was shot and is wounded! "
-told me the officers

I rushed to hospital
-searching names on the wall
Found him not…

I had seen years ago
-when people shouted, rose
-against shah in Tehran
-who exiled Khomeini

The injured and murdered
-like trash were taken
-buried in mass graves

And the same had happened
-times and times, times again
-when shah was, when he left

Brutal are people!
Brutal are people!
Brutal are people!

When they sit on throne with crown
-regardless, regardless, regardless
-if civil, uniformed, visionary, prophet

Ebi, I, were some ants
-our wishes too simple
-love and peace and justice
-for the men and women
-with no one special
-by gender, race, colour
-and of course, connection

Finally, and sadly
-found out that he was killed
-wearing my flight suit
-had respect and used it
-called sources and made sure
-that he was transferred
-to where I though belonged
- (the air-force hospital)
-and made him a hero
-I knew he was not
-in the eye of rulers
-so, he had own grave

Elderly saw my way
-as must be a friend's
-he would get a payment
-useful for his daughters

Came his wife, Afsaneh
-and friends of the fists
- (supporting communists)
-calling me betrayer,
-I did not deserve it

"It's OK"
"It's OK"
"It's OK"

I told me
-repeated

Was actor in rehearse
-to be calm and do right

Long time is behind us
-know nothing of the wife
-neither of his daughters

"Married to Sharifi, "
-I was told, and he is
-one from our colleagues

Did he too sacrifice
-to save the family?

I recall his forehead
-saw trace of bullet
-splashed was brain

I cheated his mother
-when she came in tears
-wanting to see son's face

How could I let happen?
-went to morgue and returned
-had talked to and had arranged

His face would be covered
-to be like a woman
-as we see in churches and Muslims

Just eyes and eyebrows
-to his chin, part of sides
-so, bullet, bullet hole
-from eyes was hidden

But as means "Afsaneh"
-that "myth" has, will always
-act as if some dagger
-in my hand, heart and mind

Forever
Forever
Forever

And that is why always
-I remain a flame
-against all the powers

Regardless
Regardless
Regardless

If Iran, Middle East
-if rightist or leftist
-if ancient, futuristic

I know and know it well
-power makes man corrupt
-more power, more corrupt

I know and, I have learned
-am expert and have heard
-and love this treasure:

"Fish rotten from head, "
"Fish rotten from head, "
"Fish rotten from head, "