the closest she's been

After 40 years.

Mum looks at the flight map.

'This is the closest I've been to Iran in 40 years. The south of Iran, my birthplace, it's just over the sea there.'

Just over there, yet way out of reach. Its harrowing song constantly calling. Don't forget.

Childhood, family, friendship.

Suffering, torment, the persecution of a people.

Etched into her mind's eye. Her sorrow is palpable. Her eyes tell of her disappointment in humanity.

We fly over the seas and a cacophony of memories flies in.

Unbeknownst to us, so too do the missiles.

Just over the sea.

Just over there.

The closest we’ve ever been.