Between the tyranny of
Tar and Jasmine
The eighteen-wheeler drives over viscous gravel
He slows to lower the gear
The alluring scent of jasmine pervading the tea garden
She hesitates to add a slice of peach
—Published 7th of July 2021
About Laily Mahoozi
Laily Mahoozi is a neuroendocrinologists/poet based in Iran. Her life is a matrimony between medicine and poetry. She founded ‘Healers for Heritage’ — an initiative to care for patients and ancient ruins. Her 2000 unpublished poems reveal a life in exile — Revolution, war and immigration. In 2012, her book of short poems, ‘Curve’ was published.