Ziaeddin Torabi

Posted by5thgenerationgirlPosted inUncategorizedTags:

Bio: Ziaeddin Torabi is an Iranian American poet residing in Sacramento, Ca. who I had the pleasure of meeting years ago at a writing conference. He holds a B.A. in English and Literature as well as an M.A. in Linguistics from Iranian Universities. Torabi has published more than 30 books of poetry.

The reasons not only the poetry was so memorable to me, but also Torabi himself is aside from being an extremely kind and gentle man, this was the first time I’d heard poetry recited in Persian or known to its native Iranian speakers as Farsi. It was an experience that touched my heart hearing the melodic lines of his poetry. Although I can’t seem to find the poem I wanted, I’d like to share another from his collection. 

            No, this graveyard is not so pleasant
            with statues along the sides of the roads and
            fainted distorted paintings hung on the walls
            Let's go back
            There is no shortage of graveyards
            There are so many villages and hamlets in this country
            that give shelter to the corpses of a homeless man like me
            You just start your hearse and go

            Stop the nonsense
            You just lie down and die
            I myself know my way

            Let me read this last one and then...

            No, since morning you have read so many poems
            that made me delirious

            It is not my fault that your hearse is broken
            as its wheels are limping
            No surprise for delirium

Published by 5thgenerationgirl

Tammy Wynette is a mother of three and a “G-MA” (grandma). Born in Warren, Arkansas, she currently resides in Sacramento, CA and is pursuing an AA degree in English at American River College, with plans to transfer to California State University, Sacramento (Sac State). She is an active leader and role model in her community, she works with teens sharing and teaching poetry, as well as providing insight for young parents to prosper. She has certificate from NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and is a trailblazer & Griot, keeper of stories/traditions passed down from her ancestors. As an Author and motivational speaker it’d be an honor to present at your events to inspire, encourage & let our VOICES be heard! She has short stories and poems published in Our Black Mothers Brave, Bold and Beautiful!

22 thoughts on “Ziaeddin Torabi”

  2. I’ve never heard of this poet before so thank you for sharing his work (lots to unpack in that sample poem you shared). It’s wonderful when we can find common language and shared understanding through works of literature. Happy Friday!

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