A Rock on Shore
Composed, centered and strong,
has a soft spot for the ocean.
As the tide comes and goes, the rock remains
It will be there when the wave returns.
With each greeting the rock gives a piece of itself
For the wave to carry with it for the journey.
Little by little the rock gives and gives
And the wave so happily receives
Until the rock, once grounded and strong
Feels shaky when the wave comes along.
It looks around and sees it’s a rock no more.
So much giving changed it to sand.
Mehrnaz Bassiri
Achieving Success
Failures, mistakes, not getting what you want
Is all part of life but it’s not what we’re taught
Stressing about results, you just want success
It all takes time, keep making progress
Failures happen, it’s how you overcome
Own your mistakes, don’t sweat the outcome
Choose to go through life outside your comfort zone
New things are uncomfortable, your anxiety’s full blown
That’s how you grow, it’s OK to fail
Just get back up, try and try again
Life is full of ups and downs
But stick with it, you’re in for a few rounds
Remember, before you achieve success
You must fully learn the process
The Simple Things
Pet beetles, coloring books and black pine trees
Making longboats with bamboo leaves
Thinking about my childhood memories
I’m reminded of these simple things.
Befriending stray cats and breathing the summer breeze
Chess games with neighbors and family gatherings
Those are what I remember of my pre-teens
How I cherish these simple things.
Life turned to a race when I became a teen
All about milestones and achieving big things
The stress of school and brainwashed dreams
Whatever happened to the simple things?
My twenties consumed with making money
Working long hours and saving every penny
Not sure what race I was running anymore
I lost sight of the simple things.
Now in my thirties, I’ve seen enough
I have no interest in the fast paced life
I found a rusty compass in my childhood memories
It’ll take me back to the simple things.
Mehrnaz Bassiri
