You Were Green ( تو سبز بودی )

You were green
that still
in the city's hidden alleys
breath awaits the day

You were green
that still
from the lineage of crimson trees
children bud
and bare branches
in winter's final chill
drape a colorful scarf

You were green
that still
behind the garden fence
the cloud’s gentle gaze
quenches the thirst of a red rose
and the doves of the wells
each dawn
renew their ablutions with clear dew

You were green
that still
on the earth’s table of seven symbols
the greens stand tall
the apple blossoms
burst with color
grandmother’s offering of sweet wheat pudding
with incense and sacred smoke
takes hold of belief
and the fish in the pond
with the rouge of barberries and sumac
veils its shame of bareness

You were green
that still
with every sound of rain
my heart sings for you
my homeland

Arsalan - Tehran
December 30, 2021