Roshangar Undergraduate Persian Studies Journal
Deeba Vafai
Deeba Vafai is a Psychology major set to graduate from the University of Maryland this May. She plans to pursue her PhD in Clinical Psychology. With a lineage of artists and poets, poetry flows naturally in her veins. (Fun fact: her aunt created the art piece in her picture!) While she was born in Potomac, Maryland, she spent her developmental years in Iran, immersed in a world of language and creativity. Farsi became her first language during this time. Growing up in a household steeped in Persian and Azeri cultures, she cultivated a deep appreciation for tradition and found her voice through the artistry of words. As a first-generation Iranian-American, Deeba navigates the intricacies of her identity with pride and resilience, drawing inspiration from her cultural heritage and academic pursuits. Beyond her studies, poetry serves as her sanctuary, a medium through which she delves into emotions, experiences, and the complexities of the human psyche. Each verse she pens is a tribute to her family's legacy and a testament to her journey of self-expression in the literary realm.
Abstract
For centuries, Persian poetry has been a cornerstone of Iranian culture, celebrated for its beauty, depth, and ability to transcend boundaries. Today, this rich literary tradition has evolved into a potent form of protest, as poets harness the power of words to confront tyranny, advocate for human rights, and inspire social change. In the face of political repression, social inequality, and cultural censorship, poets have become the torchbearers of truth, courageously challenging the status quo and amplifying the voices of the oppressed.
Echoes of Crimson; Women, Life, Freedom
Two blood-red fountains in Tehran. On the left, a state-backed initiative, highlighting the martyrs of the 1979 revolution and the Iran-Iraq war​​. On the right, as protest art.
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Red, the blood of martyrs,
Freedom's crimson hue,
Seeping its power into every pore.
A symbol of oppression,
Of tyranny and fear,
But today, it stands to represent something more;
A revolution of courage,
Of hope and unity,
Fighting for the freedom of all,
Redeeming their blood in a sea of victory.
In Tehran's streets, fountains once embraced
The state's narrative, carefully placed,
1985's Red Cascade,
A government-approved masquerade.
A collective canvas painted in red,
Not coerced by the state, but freely bled,
The fountains now sing a different song,
A melody of resistance, loud and strong.
In the eye of the creative storm,
We stand and fight,
For freedoms and stories mourn.
In Tehran's streets, a visual argument,
Our voices echo "Zan Zendegi Azadi",
We fight for the light in the fight for the right,
To break down the walls and free our people's might.
Poem Breakdown
I initiate the poem by delving into significant themes such as martyrdom and oppression and the changing symbolism associated with them. I draw a clear distinction between the narrative conveyed by government-sponsored art and the ongoing uprising, highlighting how the symbolism shifts from a tool of oppression to a powerful emblem of resistance.
On the left side of the imagery, we encounter government-sponsored art that spotlights the martyrs of the 1979 revolution and the Iran-Iraq war, featuring images of Iranian leaders. Conversely, the artwork on the right represents a grassroots protest, crafted by the people without depictions of Iranian leaders. The anonymous protest art on the right was created in October 2022. It pays tribute to Mahsa Amini's tragic death and the collective sacrifice of everyday citizens fighting for their freedom.
I had the poem unfold with rich symbolic imagery, weaving a narrative that engages both the visual and auditory senses. Elements such as fountains and the color red are strategically employed, contributing to what I term the "melody of resistance." The intention is to transcend the limitations of mere words and provide the reader with a visceral, immersive experience. As the poem reaches its conclusion, my aim is not for it to simply end but to convey a sense of resolution and purpose. The narrative culminates in a powerful takeaway, emphasizing the significance of breaking down walls and unleashing the people's might; a poignant message intended to resonate with the reader beyond the confines of the written words.