What Comes Next?
by Michael Doyle

Day after day, dot after dot
One way or another, it connects
Taking chances and casting lots
As we wonder about what comes next.

The mullahs act with intimidation,
But they aren't the heart of the nation.
And we must never forget the contention
That we caused this by past intervention.

Repressive regimes have staying power,
May this become the Mullahs' final hour.
What is martyrdom and death's obsession?
We need to end Khamenei's repression.

Revolutionary slogans have a disconnection
As the Iranian people move in opposition.
The culture of this society has its aspirations
Maybe these will yet save the Farsi nation. 

Where there had once been endless Tehran nights,
There are endless screams of violated human rights.
The changes come slowly, it seems; drop by drop
It doesn't matter as long as the changes don't stop.

Eventually, God's mercy will bring just desserts,
And the Rubaiyat will be stronger from the hurts
That are felt in the hearts and souls of the Tabrizi
This is the way and story of the Iranian identity

Through the years, our hopes have come to grief
As we have struggled with troubles and beliefs.
Trust between nations can become contrarian.
This, alas, even though the truth rings clarion.

A terrible blood price has been extracted.
And a greater tyranny might become enacted.
Life has a funny way of acting as it rearranges.
This is the nature of such troubled changes.

(c) June 19, 2025   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved