Five on the Fifth

In This Issue

Bougainvillea in Bushehr (Cover Photo): Mehrnoosh Torbatnejad

Architecture of the Aftermath (Poetry): Dhaanvi Jaipuriar

Ode to Esfand | Ode to Lavashak (Poetry): Mehrnoosh Torbatnejad

“O Iran” (Poetry): Parvin Saberi-Shakib

Two-eyed-h (Nonfiction): Mahdis Marzooghian

Pardis: Khaterate Safar (Photos): Mehrnoosh Torbatnejad

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Editor’s Note

Five on the Fifth’s editorial team proudly presents our special “Vatanam” (My Homeland) issue, with beautifully poignant contributions from two talented writers, as well as — for the very first time — Five on the Fifth’s own editorial team. As Persian writers currently witnessing from afar the devastating war being waged on our beloved homeland, we felt it was both our duty and responsibility to contribute our own work and perhaps play a small part in being the voice for our beautiful country and people, often so misrepresented and misunderstood in Western media.

For it is through our creative work that we resist, persevere, enlighten, and heal our collective trauma. During our decade-long run, no issue has made me prouder or felt so deeply personal and I am truly honored to present it to you dear readers. May we all soon live in a world that truly knows peace.

Payandeh Iran — Long Live Iran

Mahdis Marzooghian & Mehrnoosh Torbatnejad

Five on the Fifth Editor-in-Chief & Poetry Editor