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    194 Results in the "Poetry" category


    • Chapter Twenty-eight Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter explores the concept of grace through the perspective of Roya Shams, a woman who narrowly escaped death when her plane was mistakenly shot down by the USS *Vincennes*. Roya reflects on grace as an unearned gift, contrasting it with justice, which is transactional. She recounts how she traded passports with her lover, Leila, to help her flee Iran, only for Leila to perish in the crash instead. Roya grapples with the guilt of surviving while Leila died, framing her second chance at life as an…
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      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Eight Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Zee Novak reflecting on her early relationship with Cyrus during their time at Keady University in 2014. Set against the backdrop of an unpredictable Indiana spring, Zee recalls working at Green Nile and selling weed while Cyrus worked at Jade Café. Their lives revolved around drinking and casual dating, a period before Cyrus’s sobriety and Zee’s eventual decision to stop drinking in solidarity. Zee hints at the growing emotional labor she invested in Cyrus, a realization that…
    • Chapter Nineteen Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Cyrus Shams meets Zee Novak at a Brooklyn café called Daylight, braving the cold for an outdoor conversation. His mind races after a puzzling encounter with Orkideh, who inexplicably referenced his mother’s death in a plane crash—a detail he never shared with her. The café patio buzzes with activity: a woman smokes elegantly, bearded men ignore their drinks, and a waiter navigates the chaos. Cyrus hopes Zee will help him break his cyclical thoughts about Orkideh’s cryptic knowledge, signaling…
    • Chapter Twenty-nine Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "Orkideh, Martyr!" reflects on the narrator's life through a lens of gratitude and acceptance. Despite acknowledging that happiness was not a constant state, the speaker emphasizes experiencing profound joy, particularly during moments shared with Leila. This perspective challenges conventional notions of tragedy, suggesting that even a life cut short can be rich in meaning if it contained genuine happiness. The tone is introspective yet defiant, rejecting pity in favor of celebrating the…
    • Chapter Nine: Bobby Sands Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus Shams, a young Iranian-American man, confessing his preoccupation with death to artist Orkideh during an encounter at the Brooklyn Museum. He awkwardly reveals his fascination with historical figures like Bobby Sands who died for their beliefs, contrasting their meaningful deaths with his own existential uncertainty. Orkideh, a terminally ill cancer patient conducting a living exhibition called "DEATH-SPEAK," listens intently while subtly challenging Cyrus's romanticized…
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      Chapter Twenty

      Chapter Twenty Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter follows Cyrus and Zee in Brooklyn as they spend a quiet evening together, ordering pizza and watching TV in their hotel. Zee reflects on the luxury of doing nothing in a city full of possibilities, framing it as an "opportunity cost" that feels opulent. Their banter over pineapple on pizza leads to a playful debate about botanical versus culinary terms, showcasing their easy camaraderie. The scene is intimate and relaxed, with the pair enjoying each other's company while watching *The Office*…
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      Chapter Thirty

      Chapter Thirty Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus Shams waiting on a park bench in Brooklyn, lost in thought as he anticipates meeting Sang Linh. His disheveled appearance and anxious demeanor hint at his emotional turmoil. When Sang arrives, Cyrus immediately recognizes her despite her unassuming presence, noting her practical attire and weary expression. Their initial interaction is tentative, marked by silence and shared cigarettes, as both characters grapple with the weight of their connection through Orkideh, Cyrus’s…
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      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Ten Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter depicts the narrator's life working at an industrial chicken breeder farm in Fort Wayne, where the chickens are genetically modified for rapid growth and efficiency, stripped of immune systems to maximize productivity. The narrator describes the sterile, laboratory-like environment, contrasting it with traditional farming imagery. Their daily routine involves meticulous biosecurity measures, including showering and wearing scrubs to prevent contamination. The chickens, referred to as…
    • Chapter Twenty-one: Ali Shams Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus Shams in Brooklyn, attempting to call his friend Zee but hesitating to leave a message. His hands tremble uncontrollably, reflecting his inner turmoil. The narrative then shifts to memories of his father Ali's funeral, where only a handful of people attended, including his high school teacher, ex-girlfriend, and friends. Cyrus recalls the somber atmosphere and the scent of wet soil, a sensory memory that lingers with him. His uncle Arash's absence is noted, along with the later…
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      Cyrus Shams

      Cyrus Shams Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus Shams, a disheveled and drug-addled young man, lying in his squalid Indiana apartment, desperately seeking a sign from God. After years of silence, he interprets a flickering light bulb as a potential divine message, though he questions whether it’s a miracle or just faulty wiring. Cyrus reflects on the unfairness of biblical figures like Muhammad and Saul, who received unambiguous revelations, while he is left grasping for clarity. His longing for a tangible connection with…
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