from From Nima On: A Selection of Contemporary Iranian Poetry

Forough Farrokhzad (1934–67), is known in Iran as one of the most influential female poets of the twentieth century. Challenging the traditional limits of Iranian literature and social norms, her work is celebrated for its unique blend of social commentary and personal reflection. Farrokhzad’s contributions to the world of cinema, particularly the documentary The House Is Black, highlight her legacy as a pioneering voice for change in Iran.

Michelle Quay is a lecturer in Persian at Brown University, focusing on translating both modern Persian fiction and medieval Persian texts. Her literary translation work has appeared in such publications as Words Without Borders, Asymptote Journal, and World Literature Today, among others. She recently won the inaugural Mo Habib Translation Prize in Persian Literature to translate Reza Ghassemi’s 1996 prize-winning novel, Woodwind Harmony in the Nighttime; her translation is forthcoming from Deep Vellum in 2025.