Anthem - Ahmad Shamlu

Before being turned to ashes
 by the wrath of the thunderbolt,
    he had forced the steer of the tempest
         to kneel before his might.

To test
 the faith of old
    he had worn out his teeth
        on the locks of ancient gates.
    On the most out-of-the way paths
         he struggled,
    an unexpected passer-by
    whose voice every thicket and bridge
                             recognised.

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Ahmad Shamlu (1925 - 1999) Iran