Previously, ‘Emotionally Connecting to a Heroine in Iran’
[The New Year, No Ruz, is celebrated in the spring in Iran.]
There was a Tehran that I knew some 50 years ago
Today with all the turmoil, there’s not much left to show
Of graciousness, of culture and very old tradition
Instead we see the rioting, some say it is sedition
But when I hear that people have no free speech or will
Journalists jailed for writing truth, not political swill
I wonder what has happened to the land that I once knew
Swallowed up in fundamental Islam, with power for the few
The church and state as one is the doctrine of the day
Yet the hardline government found that it has no sway
Over the Persian populace who keep traditions alive
And celebrate their No Ruz by jumping through the fires.
We see in this election, another attempt to control
And batter down the people, as if it were their role
To keep the people submissive and try to keep them quiet
But all they seem to accomplish is the start of another riot
If Iran is a theocracy and based upon religion
Then why must they resort to guns to keep down any schism
Why can’t the Guardian Council in its “wisdom” based on faith
Realize that “thugocracy” is damning to the state?
Indeed, to say that Iran is an Islamic Republic
Is more like an oxymoron for there really are no public
Rights or any freedom when women are suppressed
And beaten by “authorities” if not “appropriately” dressed
According to the mullahs, who can stick in your craw,
While interpreting the Shar’iah, their Islamic law,
A woman is held responsible after being brutally raped
While the man goes free – the law needs to be reshaped
So don’t give in Iranians, the land belongs to you
What the government and the clergy say isn’t always true
Although the Basiji militia and the Revolutionary Guards
Threaten you with violence if you leave your own front yards
Keep demanding justice and riot if you must
Keep the pressure on and change will come, we trust.
Keep remembering tradition and culture that is yours
And hope that change will be in place next year at No Ruz
Dr. Hoult may be contacted at HOULTight@aol.com
