Shahla Latifi

The New Year

I am here once again.
I shine through the sun like a force of rain, unstoppable.
You welcome me.
You place a heavy burden on my weight.

Oh, I see so many desires on my doorstep.
The desire for happiness and peace...
There are so many desires that I lose count.

I am here once again.
Involuntarily. Dutifully. Silently.
Passing through the four seasons in the layers of time.
Into a world of good and evil.

I am here once again.
I am full of fire.
I bear an incredible pain in my chest.
Criminals of sadness and despair.
Follow me everywhere.

I want to go.
My body is caught in the sunlight.
But I want to disappear.
I can no longer bear the pain.
I can no longer laugh or dream.
Can I avoid the next visit?
Can I prevent the repeat trip?

Shahla Latifi
January 2025