Kahrizak

They came as I was getting ready
For the evening.
I put my hair in a ponytail and
Was lying on the old velvet couch
Drinking tea.

They don’t mind anyone’s business.
They didn’t mind me. They asked:
Which party do you belong to?
I answered: the wind.
They laughed.
I laughed.

I must remember
If I ever leave again through this door
To tell them to oil the hinges.
They’re far too noisy.

*Kahrizak is an infamous prison in the city of Tehran.

Author Photo of Fereshteh Panahi

About the Author

Fereshteh Panahi is a young poet who lives in Iran. She has three books of poetry.