Fatherly Advice
For Azad on his thirtieth
They say, live every day of your life
As if it’s your last.
This can be done only by a person
Who wants to end his life.
I say, live every moment of your life,
As if you are just born
Such as the day you removed
The training wheels from your bike.
Surprised by the hidden power in your legs
You pedaled away quickly
With fluttering bangs
And glittering eyes
And a panting father far behind.
Majid Naficy
April 2018
پند پدرانه
به آزاد در سیسالگیش
گویند: هر روزت را چنان زندگی کن
که گویا آخرین روز توست.
این را تنها کسی میتواند
که میخواهد به زندگیش پایان دهد.
گویم: هر لحظهات را چنان زندگی کن
که گویا تازه زاده شدهای
مانند روزی که چرخهای نوآموزی را
از دوچرخهات باز کردی
و با شگفتی از نیروی نهفته در پاهایت
پازنان باشتاب دور شدی
با کاکلی در باد جنبان
و چشمهایی درخشان
و پدری درپیات نفسزنان.
مجید نفیسی
آوریل دوهزاروهجده
From Azad:
"This is beautiful. Thank you so much Dad. See you soon.
With love,
Azad"
From Suzanne Lummis:
"Majid, thank you for this lovely poem, and the photo also. Happy National Poetry Month to you.
Suzanne
From Louise Steinman: "Such a beautiful poem; I will share it.
How can Azad be 30! Not possible!
And that photo— such a beautiful photo of Father and Son.
With love,
Louise"
From Nasser Mohajer:
"Majid jaan salam
Enjoyed reading your thoughtful advise. Beautifully said.
Zendeh babashi!"
From Mohammad Nafissi:
"Thanks Majid jon; a moving addition to your Father and Son collection.
Hugs, m"
From Soraya Pursoltani:
"Hi Majid assez very inspiring poem. How quickly these years fly away is astonishing!"
From Esmat Naficy: "Nice poem!"
From Shayda Naficy:
"Beautiful Majid Jan! And when in Azad's birthday? Wish him the best for me...."
From Michelle Gubbay:
"Absolutely enchanting, Majid. And -- he's 30! How amazing.
Love, Michelle"
From Elahe Amani:
"Love it.
Best
Elahe"
From Hugh Mann:
"Thanks, Majid. It’s excellent. It made me smile.
Best regards,
Hugh"
From Naomi Shihab Nye:
"So beautiful, Majid!
Forwarding this to our son, now a father, too! Good wishes to Azad.
Naomi"
From Mohsen Mirhosseini:
"Majid jan very touching poem and thanks for sharing with me.
From Michael Simms: "Good poem, Majid. I've posted it to appear later in Vox Populi.
Best wishes,
Mike"
From Wendy Pippin:
"Thank you, Majid, for another wonderfully insightful poem. I wish I had been there to see Azad's bangs fluttering and little legs pumping. This poem is particularly poignant because the main event —Azad— is celebrating his 30th BD. What a lovely tribute this is! I am honored to know both of you.
Happy birthday, Azad. I wish I could be there!
Love,
Wendy"