“A Map of Freedom” by Mohammad-Reza Shafiei Kadkani is a powerful work of contemporary Persian poetry exploring sacrifice, homeland, memory and the long journey toward freedom. Presented here in English as part of Persian Poetry After Dark, the poem is reimagined through cinematic dark electronica and organic deep house, bringing Shafiei Kadkani’s words into a contemporary musical landscape. This English musical adaptation introduces the work of one of Iran’s most significant modern poets to a wider international audience while preserving the emotional force and imagery of the original Persian poem.
- Genre: Dark Electronica Deep House
- Music & Lyric Adaptation: Tony Zohari
- Language: English
- Poet: Mohammad-Reza Shafiei Kadkani
- Original Language: Persian
- Themes: Iranian Poetry | Persian Poetry After Dark| In English
Lyric: A Map of Freedom
Point by point,
Point by point,
A point of blood.
The blood of those who journey,
The blood of a thousand Mahsas,
The blood of so many young lives.
This map, across the whole homeland,
Is taking shape,
And spreading wider,
Extending in every direction,
Into the infinite.
This map cannot be drawn
And seen all at once, overnight.
It can be drawn only through the years,
With blood—
With the blood of generations—
Until it grows deeper in colour,
Clear and unmistakable before you,
Stretching toward
The astonishing nowhere-that-ever-ends.
This is the map
Of our homeland’s blossoming and joy.
This is the map
Of our homeland’s liberation and freedom.
Liberation and freedom…
Freedom…
Freedom…
Freedom…
Mohammad-Reza Shafiei Kadkani
Mohammad-Reza Shafiei Kadkani (b. 1939), writing under the name M. Sereshk, is one of the most respected poets, literary scholars and critics of modern Persian literature. Born in Khorasan, he developed a deep connection with Persian literary tradition while also embracing the possibilities of modern poetry. His work brings together classical Persian heritage, contemporary experience, and a profound sense of Iranian cultural identity.
Alongside his poetry, Shafiei Kadkani has made major contributions to the study, criticism and preservation of Persian literature. His books The Music of Poetry and Imagery in Persian Poetry, together with his scholarly editions of classical works, have become important references in Persian literary studies. He has also been a long-standing professor at the University of Tehran.
In “A Map of Freedom,” his poetry takes on an especially powerful contemporary dimension, transforming images of blood, generations, homeland and freedom into the vision of a map slowly being drawn across time.
, writing under the name M. Sereshk, is one of the most respected poets, literary scholars and critics of modern Persian literature.){kind=link}