Democracy At Steak Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Democracy at stake

I am a runner; an escapee
-from dictatorship, theocracy
-I risked my life for democracy
-sacrificed my future,
-for world to be free, lost my family

Always on exile, became a refugee;
-fought for freedom, respect, dignity
-which means loving all with equality,
-of the cultural varieties
-facts, faiths, inheritance
-and…and…and…and…

Had childhood dream, which remains the same
-to let part of Iran, my place of birth
-become home, haven, school and college
-to shelter theories and faiths
-all the ideas, include science
- (like and yet unlike "Silicon Valley")
-love to see them come, study, discuss
-to find a good path to live Dignified,
-all hand in hand and all with Love…

Not yet able to…! ! !
-try while alive;
-and it shall not die after I am gone…

I learned to forgive
-before revenging
-and to seek the cause
-prior to judge

Let's be clear
-Khomeini was good until the war came …
-Pyongyang the same; Caracas the same

Parliament Member also senators
Under each flag and national anthem
The kings, Minister
Think twice before paper kisses pen
To make official your "Yay, " and-or "Nay! ! ! "