by Ahmad Shamlu
Before being turned to ashes
by the wrath of the thunderbolt,
he had forced the steer of the tempest
to kneel before his might.
To test
the faith of old
he had worn out his teeth
on the locks of ancient gates.
On the most out-of-the way paths
he struggled,
an unexpected passer-by
whose voice every thicket and bridge
recognized.
Last updated January 14, 2019