The Desert Oak

For as long as I can remember, words have been the place I return to when life becomes too heavy to carry alone. I never set out to write a book. I simply wrote whenever I needed to make sense of loss, hope, love, failure, or the quiet moments in between. The Desert Oak is a collection of those moments. Each poem was written at or about a different point in my life, shaped by experiences that challenged me, changed me, and taught me to keep standing—much like the lone oak that inspired this title. My hope is not that you see my story in these pages, but that you find pieces of your own. Some poems may comfort you, others may challenge you, and a few may simply sit beside you in silence. If even one of them reminds you that you are not alone, then these words have found their purpose. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. — Keyvan Siasi