We Have to Walk in the Rain

For years I heard people say, or saw in movies and television, how wonderful it was to walk in the rain. Whenever it rained, especially at night, something in me shifted. The truth is, I had always loved rain. It calmed me. But I don’t know why, despite all that, I had never gone out and tried walking in it. I always stood behind the window, looking out, listening in silence to the rain and the patter of drops falling from the edge of the roof. I knew it could feel good… but the cold and the fear of getting wet held me back. I knew a towel, maybe a hot shower, would solve the problem. But damn it, that unease, that false fear, was stronger than my wish to let go. Last night was different. A beautiful rain had come to our city. A strange feeling filled me, telling me it was time. I put on my clothes and shoes and headed out. At the door I saw the umbrella and bent to pick it up. Suddenly it was as if someone whispered in my ear: “Don’t stand in the middle, half committed. Enjoy your love affair with the rain.” I put the umbrella back. I took off my shoes and socks too, and went outside. At first it felt as if the rain stroked my face. It was cold, and I was thrilled. I began to walk. The splash of my steps through the water spread across the ground took me back to childhood. A few steps later, I opened my arms and let the rain embrace me. I wanted to shout. Somehow I knew my voice would disappear into the sound of the rain. I shouted, “Liiiiife!” “Breeeeathe!” “Iran!” And right after it: “My Iraaaaan! My king!” I knelt and plunged my hands into the water on the ground, as if I were grabbing handfuls of bright modeling clay. Then I came to and saw I was still behind the window. I had imagined all of it, so vividly I could scarcely believe it. It was still raining. I said, “It’s time,” and ran outside. Today I’m writing to tell you that release, and walking in the rain, must be lived, not merely waited for. My fellow Iranian, my dear one, my friend, a piece of my own flesh: We have to live the liberation and freedom of our homeland. Talking about freedom and imagining ourselves free is beautiful, but it isn’t living. Only a few steps remain before we can be free and kneel beneath the rain of Iran’s freedom… Long live Iran. Long live the Shah. #KingRezaPahlavi