I remember, the first modern persian poetry that I got
familiar was “The Alley” written by Fereidun Moshiri – the contemporary Iranian
poet.
I loved that poem so much that I thought it was mine and I imitated that poem. Although my wise Literature
teacher knew what I had done, he
encouraged me until my literary flavor florished. Today, with respect to all my
good teachers, I am writing you a
translation of that poetry which reminds me of those green young days and happy
teacher’s day, which I wish you too. I hope the poetry will please you.
The Alley
Alone I walked through the alley again on a moonlit night
My body, a pair of eyes seeking your sight.
My soul, a cup brimming with your desire
I was again the same old lover on fire.
Deep in my soul, the rose of your memory gleamed
The garden of a hundredfold memory beamed.
The scent of a hundredfold memory wafted in the air.
I walked through that alley, an experience with you to share
Arm in arm, we walked in solitude tender and fair.
We sat awhile by the brook,
within your black eyes the secret of world you took,
And I, enthralled by the panorama of your look.
Sky serene, night still
Fortune smilling, time tranquil.
Within water, grapes of moon were falling,
Arms of branches to the moon were calling.
Night, mead, flower, rock and vale,
All enraptured by the song of the nightingale.
You said, “Avoid love!” I recall
“Let your eyes upon the brook fall.
“Water mirrors love, transient and short.
“Today with another amorous glance you disport.
Tomorrow, your heart to others will bend.
“Forget love, and some time from this town wend!”
“Avoid love? I cannot
“Go away from you? I cannot,
I cannot.
The first day, when my heart desired for your love
I perched on your roof like a dove,
Stones you pelted at me; I didn’t fly away,
I didn’t fall from above.
I said, “A hunter you are and I am a gazelle in plain.”
I roamed about to get in your trap glad and fain.
Avoid love? I cannot, i cannot.
A teardrop fell off the bough
Nightingale flew away with a bitter sough.
Tears quivered within your eye.
The moon smiled at your love with a sigh!
From you I heard no words of relief.
Thus, I donned the robe of grief.
I did not go away. I did not fall apart.
Many a night has ever since spent in darkness of woe
You never sought any news of your iron lover to know.
You will never again set foot in that alley though!
Through that alley I walked once again but in sorrow.







