On a hot summer night, a long time ago
I found myself walking across the city to escape the heat.
In the store windows, displays were inviting and mannequins smiling
A shoe store reminded me that I needed a new pair.
A jewelry store displayed only empty boxes of earrings, bracelets and watches.
The shiny goods that exhibited their allure in the day
Were safely locked in the back.
 
Wandering on, I found myself in an old part of town,
Quieter and darker streets, with Mom & Pop shops.
The glow of a cigarette on the stairs to a building stopped me.
I stared, trying to see the person sitting there - too dark.
The scent of cheap perfume mixed with tobacco smoke suggested a female.
She smoked silently, but even the glow of her cigarette
Did not reveal details of her face.
 
“Can I get a smoke from you?” I asked
With some rustling, she retrieved one and lit it.
A dark-skin hand emerged from the shadow and passed it to me.
I inhaled the smoke deep and slowly. Not being a smoker,
The euphoric spirit of the tobacco seeped through my body.
“Thank you!” I said and moved on
Feeling dizzy as I walked past closed and dark stores.
I stopped by an antique shop, where the glow of a low red light
Reveled several old items. An old steam iron, a treadle, several knives, etc.
 
The city behind me reflected in the store window.
A slow blinking red light atop a tall building
Called my attention to the reflection and my silhouette in between.
I watched the contradiction of the old and the new and me.
 
The noise of the cars crossing the bridge, surprised me
As I realized that I had walked across much of the city.
I reached the bridge as the feathery rays of dawn lit the horizon.
 
Stopping mid-bridge, I studied the reflection of the city in the river
All the people living and working there had desires, wants and wishes.
Wanted someone to love and be loved, be seen, noticed and needed.
A strange thing, feeling lonely in a crowd. But many do.
 
The city was coming awake as I rushed across and caught a train home.
It was many years ago, when it was safe to walk the city at night, and
I remember that hot muggy night
Not for all the discomforts, nor for my night walk across it
But for a dark-skin hand reaching from the shadows silently and giving me a cigarette.
I wondered if she was smiling or annoyed.
People can shine with kindness, even in the dark of the night.

Reza Ghadimi

News that’s sold, swirling
Spinning and whirling, hitting hard
Rotating tentacles of opinions
Views and thoughts.

Do we see the problems only
In our sobriety?
Then relapse, thankful for our levity
Too hard to handle, let it slip away.

Most people just watch and read
Day and night as the world goes by
Sold news, to them, a passing fly
Flew into view and then away.

Wishing that they could do a bit, and
Maybe change something then, but
Maybe is a very big word
In an uncertain world, all told.

For tomorrow, MAYBEs were in yesterday
Perchance, perhaps, and possibly
They’ll return, should there be something to pursue  
Till then we’ll promise, next time maybe?

Reza Ghadimi
August 2023

One of the most contentious sentiments among people around the world is the matter of their ethnic and racial genetic purity and originality. Many races abhor the thought of genetic diversity.  Proudly claiming the purity of their race, nationality and bloodline. History is filled with stories of atrocities performed under the pretense of preserving one’s race. However, today’s science of DNA studies reveals our inherent composition to be anything but unique or pure.
While serving in the US Air Force and stationed in RAF Lakenheath, England, I had the opportunity to travel to Scotland several times. I liked flying there because the route took us over some spectacular Scottish countryside. Often, we reached the place at the end of the day and returned the next day. I habitually spent my time visiting the countryside, talking to the locals and learning their history – which I found fascinating.   
Despite the adamant pride Scots showed for their heritage, one historical fact that stayed with me was; how routinely the area was raided by the Vikings throughout the ages. During these raids, along with commodities and other goods taken, many of the Scottish women were kidnapped as well.  So, it was common knowledge that the people of the area were of the Viking/Scottish mix.  Years later, when DNA testing of the population was done, this fact was proven.
Such interactions and exchanges – forceful or not – are common around the world among many tribes and communities. Right or wrong, they contributed to our genetic diversity and cancel the notion of our race or national purity. Does this mean that our identities have been stolen or strengthen?
In medicine too, this fact has been something we have worked with, struggled and dealt with all throughout our profession and practice.  We have seen firsthand how genetic diversity results in stronger off spring and the lack of it, devastating problems. Still, it is disturbing to see that at times, our prejudices carry into our decision making and interaction with some patients. We can and should do better. Our practice must be a sanctuary for all.

On a nature documentary, awhile back, a couple of male zebras were shown fighting over their territory.  They were so engrossed in fighting each other that did not notice lions stalking them and ended up losing their lives. 
The new and ongoing military and political aggression around the world, reminds me so much of that grim and egotistic encounter.  The most dangerous and life-threatening issue in our world today, is climate change.  Yet many world leaders are ignoring this grave threat, playing the blame-game, and fighting each other for nonsensical issues.  Despite all condemnations, the wars in Eastern Europe and Middle East continue. New conflicts in Africa and the frightening call to arms in the Far East add to the uncertainties.

These hostilities add to the already intolerable refugee crisis around the world.  According to The UN Refugee Agency, by the end of 2022, 108.4 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced – up from 82.4 million at the end of 2020.  The war in Ukraine is attracting much attention, and everyone is talking about the refugees from that country.  As unfortunate and inhumane as this is, it must be remembered that the Ukrainian refugees are not replacing the other displaced people. They are joining them, exasperating an already dire situation.  
 
As the climate change overtakes island countries and low laying ocean front communities, more people will be displaced, and this time, they will have no physical home to return to.  By some estimates, more than half a billion people could lose their home with the rising seawater.  Add to that, all who will be displaced by drought, deforestation, increased fires, floods and storms, and well over a billion could get affected. That will make the job of healthcare providers ever more challenging. We must beware the lions of climate change, for they are here and gnawing at our heels!

We’ve been struggling to make sense of all that is happening in our world today, only to find ourselves spinning in the merry-go-round of excuses and blames. In this search for a rationale, one wonders how we got to this point, and realize that our information highway has sent us so far off course that we are hopelessly lost in this jungle of data. For the only thing worse than the dangers of little knowledge is the perils of too much information. And in the process of being smart, we are losing our connection with our humanity and the nature supporting us.
We are reminded of the belief and philosophy of the indigenous people around the world, whose connection to Mother Earth is essential to the very way of life. Like the Mapuche people of southern Chile and Argentina:
“When the world was born, the creator wanted us to protect it.
He put his soul inside every being so it would live forever.
Without soul, the rivers and forests would dry up,
The wind would not blow, the fire would die out,
And the earth would disappear.
The spirit of the earth lives inside all living things.
It speaks with sacred words to all living beings here.”