The run begins.
The crowd is substantial.
The sound of instruments
played by the schoolchildren resonates in my ears.
The children in line, buoyed by their parents\' support,
are eager to start the one-mile running game.
The fog,
the cool air surrounding me,
and the small and large dogs
affectionately accompanying their owners
enhance this impressive sight with a sense of readiness.
Unlike before,
I am calm and unafraid of the upcoming challenge.
I am prepared
to plunge into the crowd
as though claiming my place in the free spirit of time.
I am ready to run.
Filled with my enthusiasm, not anyone else\'s
I am prepared to run.
I am ready to embrace the challenge ahead as never before.
Shahla Latifi
February 2025