If all religions grew on trees/ I would pick the juiciest/ "Juiciest as well as succulent”/ Fruit which would benefit my family/ As well me
I would pluck Zoroastrianism/ From the tree as it sends/ A very pristine message/
Of equality, universality/ Teaches tolerance, respect/ Love, understanding/ Treating humanity with/ Dignity no matter who you be/ Regardless of color, caste/
Ideologies, religion or creed/ Not racism, discrimination/ Exclusion, bigotry.
We do not allow/ Non Zoroastrians/ Anywhere near the/ Places of worship nor/ Allow them to convert/ Because they are not pure/ In thoughts, words, deeds/ (According to some)
Let me remind you/ Zoroastrians who practice/ Racism, discrimination/ Exclusion, bigotry/ While wearing a sudreh and kusti/ Visiting holy temples, agiaries/ Are themselves a bigoted lot/ (Vadas, ervads, behdins or laity)
I would truly appreciate if/ "Hierarchy” instead of/ Running around in/ Their priestly costume/ Pretending to be redeemers/ Or for matter the anointed ones/ At the same time following/ Dictum: "Eat, drink and be merry”/ Would get involved/ And unite the community/ Rather than split it like/ The St Andreas Fault.
None of us are/ Not even the hierarchy/ Above the law/ Everybody in the end/ Will get his/or hers devil’s due
So straighten out and/ Be humble, kind/ Give up your ego and pride/ Preach the proper message/ Before one goes on a/ "A Very Long Ride”
Lastly I would like to add my two cents:/ "Give your hands to many but your heart to one Zoroastrianism.
FARIDA BAMJI
Ottawa, Canada
faridabam@gmail.com