6 Must-Read Iranian Poems

Iranian poetry has a history that spans over a thousand years. It is characterized by its profound themes, intricate metaphors, and lyrical beauty.

Persian poets like Rumi, Hafez, and Saadi have left an indelible mark on world literature. Iranian poetry explores themes of love, spirituality, nature, and the human condition. The ghazal, a form of lyrical poetry, is particularly revered in Iranian culture. Poets often employ delicate imagery and symbolism to convey complex emotions and philosophical ideas.

Iranian poetry continues to captivate readers with its timeless wisdom and its ability to touch the depths of the human soul.

Poem Explorer Poetry Archives

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Immigration

by Ali Alizadeh

‘Immigration’ by Ali Alizadeh is a captivating look at the positives, negatives, and the emotional and mental toll that immigration takes.

This piece is a great example of an Iranian poem. It was written in the 21st century and takes a contemporary perspective on topics like religion, immigration, and change. The poet is also regarded as one of the most important Iranian poets of his generation and has written more than a few highly influential poems, like this one. The poem skillfully and memorably invites readers to contemplate the sacrifices and rewards inherent in the pursuit of a life beyond societal constraints.

I’ll tell you why. To survive the onslaught of religion. To outlive

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Ghazal

by Mimi Khalvati

‘Ghazal’ is an ancient Persian form of poetry that makes use of couplets, which are quite similar to sonnets that have been in use by the European poets.

Mimi Khalvati, of Iranian descent, brings elements of her cultural heritage to her poetry. It is a great example of Iranian poetry, showcasing Khalvati's poetic sensibilities and how she was influenced by her background. Iranian poetry has a rich tradition of exploring love, longing, and the complexities of human emotions, and Khalvati's poem aligns with these themes while incorporating her unique voice and perspective.

If I am the grass and you the breeze, blow through me. If I am the rose and you the bird, then woo me.

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Themes: Coming of Age, Religion

Topics: Growing Up, Music

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Listening to Michael Jackson in Tehran

by Ali Alizadeh

‘Listening to Michael Jackson in Tehran’ captures a youth’s failed bid for uniqueness with a smuggled Michael Jackson tape in Tehran.

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At The Border, 1979

by Choman Hardi

‘At The Border, 1979’ contrasts adult optimism with a child’s realism during a family’s migration, questioning the notion of home.

'At The Border, 1979' distinguishes itself among Iranian poems by focusing on the intimate experience of crossing borders rather than grand historical or political themes. The poem’s graphic imagery and emotional depth highlight personal displacement and nostalgia, offering a unique perspective. While Choman Hardi is renowned for her exploration of Kurdish identity and displacement, this poem's universal themes and relatable portrayal of migration enhance its significance in Iranian literature.

'It is your last check-in point in this country!'

We grabbed a drink -

soon everything would taste different.

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Loving Someone You Can't Have

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Love in Bloom

by Abu Nuwas

‘Love in Bloom’ features a man admiring his beloved, characterising him as divine. However, undertones of secrecy lead to frustration.

Abu Nuwas was born in Ahvaz which was in southwestern Persia. Today, his birthplace is located in Khuzestan Province in Iran. His mother was Persian, but his father was an Arab soldier from Damascus. He grew up in Basra, Iraq, and spent his adult life in Baghdad, also in Iraq.

I die of love for him, perfect in every way,

Lost in the strains of wafting music.

My eyes are fixed upon his delightful body

And I do not wonder at his beauty.

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The Guest House

by Rumi

Rumi’s ‘The Guest House’ is a didactic poem that asks us to view emotions as separate, fleeting entities, coming and going like visitors.

Rumi was Iranian in the sense that he lived in a pre-nation state Iran, or Greater Iran. Today, this is considered to be Afghanistan, which may be confusing readers as the original poem was written in Farsi.

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

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6 Must-Read Iranian Poems

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6 Must-Read Iranian Poems

Immigration

by Ali Alizadeh

Ghazal

by Mimi Khalvati

Listening to Michael Jackson in Tehran

by Ali Alizadeh

At The Border, 1979

by Choman Hardi

Love in Bloom

by Abu Nuwas

The Guest House

by Rumi

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