Poetry for Weary Minds

Where There Is Always Soil for Your Root

How is your 2026 going so far? I wanted mine to go something like this:

But I’m back in chilly London after some travels with my parents, my head and heart are somewhere in Iran right now as the people take to the streets to fight for the future they deserve. I’m also mentally in the US, tthinking about a week of sharp contrasts — free childcare for two-year-olds in NYC within eight days of a new mayoral administration (proof that progress doesn’t have to be slow), while ICE continues to terrorize innocent people across the country.

@sarahrmni

Sarah Ramani on Instagram: "The Islamic Republic has cut off th…

When I’m feeling scattered like this, I turn to poetry. So in lieu of your typical Friday Five, here are a few poems that have been keeping me (somewhat) grounded.

We’ll start with some hope, from NYC’s inaugural poet, Cornelius Eady. The reading begins around 2:09 with a beautiful dedication, and it only gets better with each verse. The line “Where there is always soil for your root” made me cry.

Next is a Claudia Rankine excerpt (read Citizen) that says so much in just six lines.

I was torn between two Fatimah Asghar poems. I think you should read this one below and then “If They Should Come for Us” afterwards.

Solmaz Sharif is one of my favorite living Iranian poets. “Social Skills Training” is a gut punch, like much of her work.

Because you’re reading Consumed and because I’m me, there are two poems from Mary Oliver I wanted to include. One you’re probably familiar with, and another that’s hopefully a first for you.

Why are we here if not for each other?

Roya