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Ask The Wind
"Kisses, ghosts, and memories haunt the pages of Badihian's latest book, ASK THE WIND. The title suggests there is no answer to war, or if there was, the answer would be fleeting. Part of the allure of Badihian's work is in everyday objects that hold deep meaning. Her verses sing for those tilled under machines of industrial violence but do not dwell there. There is charm and beauty enough for all readers within these poems."--Youssef Alaoui, Critics of Mystery Marvel "Persia has long been lauded for its rich history of poems and poets. Yet the offspring of that legacy, the modern Iranian poets, are often not seen for the excellent work which they produce that is watered by those clear water springs. Mahnaz Badihian is one of those poets. Her newest book, ASK THE WIND, is a book of depth and breadth which flows from that legacy. Travel with this poet and you will find laughter within these pages along with tears of truth over the hardships we face, along with enduring sighs at the indisputable sadness of our times, and a quiet but determined affirmation of our victories in extending concern for humanity and offerings of love. Mahnaz Badihian celebrates the strength and tenacity of others and of herself. Here there is solace, anger, rebellion, despair, celebration, and resolve. This is a book worth keeping close at hand."--devorah major, 3rd Poet Laureate of San Francisco
92 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2022
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About the author
Mahnaz Badihian
8 books1 followerMahnaz Badihian is an Iranian American poet, painter, translator, and novelist whose work has been published in multiple languages worldwide. Her most recent work, Azizam: A Woman’s Flight from Silence to Flame (2025), is a novel exploring themes of resilience, exile, and love. She is also the founder and editor of MahMag.org, a multilingual literary magazine dedicated to bringing together poets from around the globe.
Her previous books include the Pushcart-nominated poetry collection Ask the Wind (Vagabond, 2022), Raven of Isfahan (2019), and the international anthology Plague 2020: A World Anthology of Poetry and Art about COVID-19, which she edited. Her work has been featured in Prairie Schooner, Rhino Poetry, Poetry Flash, The Dhaka Review, Maintenant: A Journal of Contemporary Dada Writing and Art, and numerous international anthologies.
Mahnaz has presented her poetry at festivals and conferences worldwide, including Nepal, Italy, Cuba, Chile, Kerala, and Peru, and she continues to represent Iranian and global voices on the international stage. In addition to her literary achievements, she has exhibited her artwork in San Francisco, most notably in her 2018 solo exhibition Visual Metaphor.
She holds an MFA in Poetry from Pacific University and is an active member of the San Francisco Revolutionary Poets Brigade. She currently resides in San Francisco, California.
“My brush and pen explain and explore life as it happens. Without them, I would be in the solitude and alienation I found as a child. Whatever may affect me—happiness, war, or human suffering—will be expressed by my brush and pen.”
Her previous books include the Pushcart-nominated poetry collection Ask the Wind (Vagabond, 2022), Raven of Isfahan (2019), and the international anthology Plague 2020: A World Anthology of Poetry and Art about COVID-19, which she edited. Her work has been featured in Prairie Schooner, Rhino Poetry, Poetry Flash, The Dhaka Review, Maintenant: A Journal of Contemporary Dada Writing and Art, and numerous international anthologies.
Mahnaz has presented her poetry at festivals and conferences worldwide, including Nepal, Italy, Cuba, Chile, Kerala, and Peru, and she continues to represent Iranian and global voices on the international stage. In addition to her literary achievements, she has exhibited her artwork in San Francisco, most notably in her 2018 solo exhibition Visual Metaphor.
She holds an MFA in Poetry from Pacific University and is an active member of the San Francisco Revolutionary Poets Brigade. She currently resides in San Francisco, California.
“My brush and pen explain and explore life as it happens. Without them, I would be in the solitude and alienation I found as a child. Whatever may affect me—happiness, war, or human suffering—will be expressed by my brush and pen.”
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April 14, 2022
Mahnaz Badihian Ask The Wind is a collection of charming, heartwarming, and sometimes even heartbreaking poems. In them, she paints pictures of war, death, poverty, identity, immigration, belonging, and love.
Her verses are clear and concise, but they also carry an authenticity to them, as if she lived every experience within them and knew all the characters personally. I would not be surprised if some of these poems are based on her personal experiences in Iran and the United States. In these emotionally charged poems, she tackles heavy subject matter in a way that triggers introspection and the evaluation of societal norms. These poems are not meant to just be read but rather experienced and reflected on.
She challenges her readers to love one another, stand up for what is right, and do away with prejudice. Her work is a call to action. She does not want her readers to be passive and accepting of how things are. She dedicates several poems to people who have stood up and have made changes in their world, artists that have used their work for good. Beyond that, she has paid tribute to those who have died seeking a better life and those who live in a constant state of nostalgia because they can never return to their motherland.
Her expressions are light, and her language is intimate and simple, making this book easy for anyone to read and understand. Ultimately, she has managed to achieve what all great poets aim to: condense intense experiences and emotions into short sentences and paragraphs. The message of each poem is clear and beautifully delivered.
Ask The Wind is a deeply thoughtful collection of poetry that will have readers reflecting on her words. The impassioned topics that are covered will leave readers with a unique and unforgettable experience.
Her verses are clear and concise, but they also carry an authenticity to them, as if she lived every experience within them and knew all the characters personally. I would not be surprised if some of these poems are based on her personal experiences in Iran and the United States. In these emotionally charged poems, she tackles heavy subject matter in a way that triggers introspection and the evaluation of societal norms. These poems are not meant to just be read but rather experienced and reflected on.
She challenges her readers to love one another, stand up for what is right, and do away with prejudice. Her work is a call to action. She does not want her readers to be passive and accepting of how things are. She dedicates several poems to people who have stood up and have made changes in their world, artists that have used their work for good. Beyond that, she has paid tribute to those who have died seeking a better life and those who live in a constant state of nostalgia because they can never return to their motherland.
Her expressions are light, and her language is intimate and simple, making this book easy for anyone to read and understand. Ultimately, she has managed to achieve what all great poets aim to: condense intense experiences and emotions into short sentences and paragraphs. The message of each poem is clear and beautifully delivered.
Ask The Wind is a deeply thoughtful collection of poetry that will have readers reflecting on her words. The impassioned topics that are covered will leave readers with a unique and unforgettable experience.
Displaying 1 of 1 review