I long to see a free Iran.
I long to see the country of my origins. I am a first generation Iranian American.
I long to see the land that my family dwelled in for 2,000 years before they were forced to flee from a regime that abused basic human rights.
I long to roam the avenues and bazaars I have only known from the countless stories my family members have recounted for me, encapsulated by the scent of cardamom and saffron.
I long to see the beauty of Iran I have read about in the poetryof Hafez and Rumi.
I long to visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great in Persepolis, who implemented the first Declaration of human rights.
I long to see those same laws implemented inIran today. The people deserve better.
I long to witness the glory of Iran be restored again.
I long to see tolerance and compassion towards the people of Iran.
I long to see the people of Iran being treated fairly and equally, no matter their religion, gender, orientation, or opinion.
I long for the pleas of the Iranian people to be heard and their yearning for change to be granted.
I long for their voices to be heard by the world.
I wish for the needs of the Iranian people to be prioritized and put above other interests.
I long to see a free Iran.