I look out the window at a
fenced area where I once
had a plant nursery.
I nurtured and peddled new trees that
I thought should live here.
But, the weed, vine, and the pine
that belong here disagreed.
I still have a few leftover lilacs that
look at me awkward, as if to say,
what am I doing here, old chump?
But I go on watering them as a reminder
of a futile effort to alter the unchangeable.
Only to see the persistent nature
be relentless and outlast me.
Today, I have a new admiration
for the sagebrush, yucca,
pinion, and pine. And
along the way, learned that if I
am to live here, must adapt to her
and not expect it to adjust to me.

Reza Ghadimi

Trying to make sense of the world these days
Could mess up your mind and soul
So many factions at work
None talk, communicate or are in control
Promises broken, before they are made.
Coffee was a dime a cup, just yesterday, and
Now, it’s not worth breaking a fiver for.

When the time is late, and
The camouflaged tentacles of the
Day’s news rubs the sleep off your eyes
Mother nature’s memory can help:
The wind swaying the grass on the prairie
Lenticular clouds, covering mountain tops
Like the hat on a captain’s head peering the horizon
Or the gentle slapping of the waves against
The boat, on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Don’t blame gods, nature or others
There is goodness in this world, and
It is worth using its power to
Fight the ugliness of man’s failings.
Much life is left in the day, still
Let’s not count the minutes or the hours
Lay your head back in her lap, and
Enjoy the rocking of the boat.
Soon the evening cool will
Sooth the day’s sunburn.

Tomorrow will be here soon enough, and
Bring us a heap of new challenges
Close your eyes and breath deep.

Reza Ghadimi
November 2023

Are these our dark days of history
The news sure paints it that way
Though our young keep trying
Our allies and politicians
Close the doors to any headway
 
It’s Veterans Day, yet still
Tough to celebrate from a cardboard box
Though our young keep trying
The rich and our supposed leaders
Claim our struggle is but a hoax
 
If history has a lesson
No matter the deceit, nor the lies
As long as our young keep trying
Resurrect they will, Phoenix will rise
Wisdom of fathers, keep open our eyes
 
But this is America, the Promised Land
Home of exiles and huddled masses
As long as our young keep trying
Bright will the future be and boundless
For all mankind with dreams and desires
She will lift her lamp beside the golden door!
 
Reza Ghadimi
November 2023