Perception Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Perception

By the law and bullies
-I have been deprived to
-be trapped behind bars.

Spent time among them
-studied many lives
-innocents', criminals'!

I counted the bricks
-of the walls and the tiles
-in the cells and around.

I stood firm like rock
-raised my head to look up
-deep into skies' hearts
-to see rain's, snow's shapes
-and let them in my eyes.

Saw the looks of the guards
- "He is mad, lost his mind! "

Yes or no is question
-I can feel those in cage.

Can feel and sympathise
-with mankind, animals
-forced into zoo, circus
-and in tanks of water;
-whatever limits them.

I can feel the Orcas.
I can feel Orangutan.
I can feel the parrots.
I can feel the lovebirds.
I can feel those in boats.
I can feel those on roads.

I can feel all kinds of
-detainees, prisoners,
-behind bars and in jails;
-regardless of their names!

Pangolins were fished and
-were heading for markets
-I saw them and observed
-cruelty of fishers…
-which took me to my time
-on the boats, trawlers,
-to fish in Persian Gulf.

I stood on board and
-saw the Rays and the Sharks;
-loved the way they behaved
-and hated and hated and hated
-being a player, part of game
-in fishing and killing animals!

I was warned many times
- "Keep distance; can be harmed! "

Truly, did not care;
-was ready to die there
-as one and among them.

Preferred to be killed
-than being murderer
-or among supporters
-of harmers of nature.

In times, felt that tears
-formed, burning to ears.

In times I remembered
-my trip in childhood
-to Tehran's abattoir.

Saw how men shoved fingers
-into cows' nostrils
-turned their necks,
-slammed them to ground!
-then knife kissed vein of neck!

With them I sympathise;
-have been jailed, empathise.