Babak (A.D. 795-840) Babak-e Khorram-deen By: F.A. Sadeghpour (Boston, MA) He was born in the shadow of Mount Sabalan, Growing hard and agile, silent as wind's sibilance. Later was known as Babak-e Khorram-deen. Seldom is seen a Persian so keen And valiant a patriot as he, Devoted to his compatriots and country. His certain love of his country Induced his enemies to spread infamy As his fame reached its epitome. His awareness of Arab misrule In his land sired a vast whirlpool Og antipathy in every molecule Of his, to seek a native rule. He became a warrior of first rank, Who"d never shrank when was out-flanked By foes charges on the battlefield. He surely sealed his triumph not to yield. His foe advised his chief, the caliph: "Your eminence, Babak's no caitiff, he is a fox. Nay, a young lion, he is his forebear's true scion. There're needs for more victual and men to chain this vain Persian and his bowmen!" The caliph, choleric and deperate Sought a man with better martial rate Whose name was "Commander Afsheen," Who had Persian demanor and gene! Who was gripped with greed and ambition That eclipsed his heritage and tradition; And, the guileful caliph fathomed this, That gave his royal aegis and future bliss! Afsheen, lulled by caliph's promises, Fancied himself victorious over his nemeses; Unless he defeats and chains Babak, And puts the caliph's drive on track Within the whole Persian expanse Afsheen could lose his future chance! A chance he longed for, for a long time, And this, never crossed his mind a crime. He did not see Babak a champion But a throwback with no tack and a plebeian. No sooner he engaged Babak he was reeled Back to reheal his wounds, 'twas revealed That he was not Babak's equal or match In battle; the wretch sought different rematch! Thus, Afsheen appealed to deceit; Dispatched missives devoid of conceit To Babak and offered him to unite, Inciting friendship that could jointly smite Caliph's forces with their united might! The lure sounded tempting to rend The caliph's grip and domination Which was his life's culmination That nearly threw caution to the wind! But he knew why Afsheen was allying, Belying wherefore he was plying! Meanwhile, caliph had set a prize To end Babak and Persian enterprise. Millions worth of gold was set aside, Hoping to curb the Peersian tide. Suddenly, Babak had new found friends! Receiving homages for his trend; Each offering unrequited aid and support, Feigned to thwart the caliph's mad purport! In truth, they had turned addled by the gold That set manifold betrayals untold, Where. patriotic sentiments 're easily sold To that fancied glimmer of cold gold! Hence, Babak was hunted and haunted, Though pressed fromj all sides, was undaunted. His "new friends" were none but fallacious, Yet, he was detached, wary and audacious. Babak fought near a quarter of a century Stymied caliph's barter and treachery. He registered passion for liberty in Persia, Adamant in his resolve to dissolve inertia; He was a fine symbol of courage, Upholding Persian lineage, mores and linkage. He knew that death was eminently near Sooner than later, but had no fear. He had chosen his ambition and role, Breathing liberty in elided Persian soul; As still resonates in that ancient land Where, his spirit and progeny still command. Babak died gallantly for his loftly aim, Overwhelmed by his foes in his own realm, But, he kept the freedom torch aflame; We now acclaim his deed and praise his name For claiming independence, defiantly untamed. (end)