POETRY

What a day for a separation
From your American girlfriend
On the day of US independence from England
Only you don't know which one you represent!

You stroll on the bike path
Alongside your shadow.
The bay water has receded afar
And whispering waves cannot be heard.
You can only hear the constant banging of bullets
From a nearby shooting range.
A group of runners, like a pack of gazelles
Pass you by
But a flock of geese high above
Take you to the shore of Zayandeh River.

In the park
Children are standing in line
Waiting for barbecued hot dogs,
And teenagers are sitting on benches
With half-empty bottles
Hidden in their pockets.
Are any of them descendants
Of the people called "Indian savages"
In the Declaration of Independence?

Tonight, you will not go to watch fireworks
Although you know its finale
Is the most beautiful part of the day.

Majid Naficy
July 4, 2012