Mehdi Akhavan-Sales

Mehdi Akhavān-Sāles or Akhavān-Sāless (1928, Mashhad, Iran — 1990, Tehran, Iran), pen name M. Omid (م. امید, Hope) was a prominent Iranian poet. He is one of the pioneers of Free Verse (New Style Poetry) in Persian language.

Quotes

• Your greetings they'll ignore.

With their heads resting on their chests,

They seek warmth from their breasts,

None affords to lift a head to greet the guests.

Vision is limited,

The road's dark and slick.

Your extended friendly hand is refused,

Not because they are confused;

They rather keep their hands where they are warmed.

It is frightfully cold. Do not be alarmed...

• Akhavan-Sales (1956) Winter; Quoted in website devoted to the poet, 2013

• The leafless orchard
  Is alone day and night
  With his pure and sad silence.
  • Poem The Leafless Garden; Quoted in website devoted to the poet, 2013

• The breath coming out of your chest

Turns into a dark cloud

And stands like a wall

In front of your eyes

• Cited in: Newsweek (2009). Vol. 153-154. p. 548