Ahmad

Dear Valeria,

They smell your mouth 
To find out if you have told someone: I love you! 
They smell your heart!

Such a strange time it is, my dear; 
And they punish Love 
At thoroughfares 
By flogging. 
We must hide our 
Love in dark closets. 
In this crooked dead end of a bitter cold 
They keep their fire alive 
By burning our songs and poems; 
Do not place your life in peril by your thoughts! 

Such a strange time it is, my dear! 

Warmest Regards.

Ahmad Shamloo