I hold The Moon Daughter with both hands, press it to my heart, and think, “it’s just like having another baby!”

True as it may be that I have been down this path before, the excitement is all new. What is the destiny of my newborn? Will I be any good at helping it find its own path? But despite my anxiety, everything seems to work out, signs are all there, and I know the time is right for my Moon Daughter to face the world.

Last night, the novel had its first public appearance, which was scheduled long before we had picked the date for its official launch. When the Camarada asked me to read my poems during their fabulous performance of Schumann and Hayden, they had no idea what April meant to me. Not only is this the month of my birth, but more importantly, it is also the National Poetry Month.

Back when we decided to present The Moon Daughter to the Camarada audience, none of us knew it would be a lovely evening with a full moon smiling down on us. Now that I prepare for its “launch” on May 1st, it seems strange that everything has worked out to present this “Mother-daughter” story at the start of May, in time for Mother’s Day.

I am reminded of a conversation I had years ago with my late brother. It was during my one and only vacation back to Iran in April of 1996. We had the best time as my beloved brother had planned everything to perfection. As we toured the lovely towns along the shores of Caspian and went on to Mashad, Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan, it was hard to believe that despite social obstacles, a meticulous plan was at work. When I expressed my amazement, my brother – who had never shown much interest in poetry, let alone memorizing verses – said, “It was meant to be.” And went on to rehearse this verse from memory.

“There are times when plans for a venture are harmonized on their own,
Yet other times all is ruined, no matter what expertise you have shown!”

I look at the fake moon I’ve made to be displayed at my book signings. When I went to buy the globe for it, I saw only ONE remaining on the store’s shelf. I also had no trouble finding some black nail polish to paint a face on it. Last Christmas, my daughter had given me a battery-operated reading lamp which has a bluish hue and fits perfectly under the globe. The result is amazing for it really glows like a full moon.

I caress the cover of my newborn book and know, “It was meant to be.” Oh, the excitement I feel for the arrival of May Day! I can hardly wait to be reunited with many loyal readers and maybe have the chance to meet new ones.

It has been a year of hard work and this may be my best chance to sit back and relax, even if for just a day.