CNN iReport

More of my translations of the Iranian people's slogans.

First batch here: http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-279025

Third batch here: http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-285635

This first one is the main response to Ahmadinejad's calling the protestors nothing more than 'dust and dirt' (Khas O Khaashaak). It's a modified version of a famous Rumi poem.

Corresponds to image #1:

YOU'RE just riffraff, lower than dirt,

I'm the aching lover, blazing and lit.

You're the black halo, oppressive and blind,

I'm the brave hero and this land is mine!

This is a part of the PEN AMERICAN CENTER Translation Slam:

http://www.pen.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/3658/prmID/1502

Image #2:

Blazing halo!!

#3:

Look how loud are howls of silence.

#4:

Death to/Down with the dictator.

#5:

Astonishing case: 2 X 2 = 24 Million!?

#6:

With the sound of silence.

#7:

Mr. Ahmadinejad, how did your conscience allow you to steal Mr. Moussavi's votes for yourself? Not only the country of Iran, but the whole WORLD will condemn this act of yours. No one recognizes you as president, and for the same reason Mr. Khomeini decreed the Shah illegal, and obliged to quit, you must leave as well. This country will not give up until you go, until victory.

#8:

Foreground:

No longer work: tanks, cannons, machine guns

Tell my mother she no longer has her sons.

Background:

My votes omitted, my countrymen exterminated.

#9:

Iranians, you are not alone. We support you.

#10:

My martyred brother, I'll take back your vote.

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My name is Niloufar and I'm the editor/translator of BELONGING: NEW POETRY BY IRANIANS AROUND THE WORLD (North Atlantic Books, 2008). www.thetranslationproject.org