I am from Iran

painting by Hasan Abu Talib

I am from Iran

9 yards of black polyester

slowly invisibly suffocating

anger waiting to explode

amidst beautiful, hospitable people

picnics by the side of the road

fragrant rice, gourmeye sabzi, shirin-e pollow

pulling my chador off while walking into the airplane – 

leaving … to Fairouz singing …. kifak inta? (how are you?)

Where have you found challenge and beauty together in one place?