Days of Dissonance. “روزگار”

 

Inspired by the poem “روزگار” by Arslan Mohammadi

With your dissonant tune

I no longer harmonize,

O time.

There is much sorrow in the air,

and the sullen cloud

has not wept

upon the soil

for an age.

Though bold hearts abound,

not one

stands firm

upon the ground,

to walk the weary path

in the dragging rhythm of days

with a light step.

With your dissonant tune

I shall never play again,

O time.

In moments

when the bloom of a smile

has vanished

from the furrowed face

of deceit.

Even a flicker of light,

each time it stirs

within a springtime sigh,

has collapsed

kneeling

into dust.

The city’s restless soul

burns

with the fever of sorrow,

and rage

waits in ambush

behind high walls

of separation.

With your dissonant tune

I build no more,

O time,

until a breath of strength

returns

to these weary steps,

and the rise and fall of song

brings body and soul

into accord.

I loathe your dissonant tune,

treacherous time—

I loathe you.

Arslan – Wiesbaden, 

5 August 2025