Blurred identity

May 2, 2007
iranian.com

In 1985, I was 21
My mind was far away from Iran
I had an American life
I listened to American music
I watched American TV and films
I had American friends
I had an American girlfriend
I felt completely American

But every now and then
In passing
I would catch
A glimpse of this
Dark hairy fellow
In the mirror

Sometimes, I would
Stop, look, and wonder
Who is this person
I am looking at?

-Rotterdam, Netherlands

This poem was first published in Payam-e-Ashena, a Southern California Iranian-American community journal.