"Within The Heart Exists A Shadow"
and Other Poems

Within The Heart Exists A Shadow

within the heart of everyone there exists a shadow
that covers with somber smoke the radiance of the rose
and bleeds the laughter from the song and rhythm of the soul

within the mind of everyone there exists a darkness
that steals the illumination from the lips and breath
and makes one ask if perhaps the only answer is death

to liberate the heart from the exile of the shadow

---

Halo Around The Moon (Sangsar)

I am searching and searching to find…constant reminder of-where do I belong to! why can I not find a common ground with those in power? Why I do not understand the language they speak, the ideology they believe in and the life they live? Their belief is covered with thick black ice and I'm a tiny little one- melting away! They know they are the superior race! They have enslaved me… with the direct connection to their God/s! And they make me feel ugly to my bones. And to them…I am a whore… walking in the streets of my life. ...they don't care...But they have their Iran and I Have Mine! – Sheema Kalbasi

you come from the earth and carry countless names
upon your journey that has moved your steps
through many times and many lands
through the voyages of the spirit
through this quest where sometimes you wonder
if exile will be the only home you will ever know

you come from the earth and carry countless dreams
upon your journey that has moved your steps
through many emotions and many lands
through the journeys of the heart
through this quest where sometimes you wonder
if exile will be the only words you will ever write

the faces draw near stones in hand
surround you encircle you
a hive of swarming angry bees
that attempt to drown your voice
that attempt to blanket you with their oppression

an attempt

that will always fail

for beyond the stones you glimpse the eclipse
of the halo around the moon
and in the silver glow of its light
the rose will always bloom

and each step upon your journey of many steps
will bring you closer

to that place within your heart

which is your true home

---

I Was Convinced

i was convinced
no one could get in

when suddenly there you stood
handing me the keys to my heart

as you dimmed the lights
and closed the door behind you