#FacesOfKhodayar (continued)

#FacesOfKhodayar

One year after your death we remember you Khodayar.

The many #FacesOfKhodayar defy tyranny and death.

Anniversary of your death, 30th letter

Dear Khodayar, it is nearly the anniversary of the day when you “cut your life”. I want to mark the first year since your death by going to the final camp at 11:15 in the morning. Maybe I will read out one of these letters to you and some words from Michelle Bui about the last few moments of your life. In my efforts to remember you Khodayar, I also pay respect to the other dead refugees who have not made it to safety. To your friends Nasim Najafi, Reza Reazyee and Ahmad Ali Jaffari. To Leo Seemanpillai, Fazel Chegeni, Hamid Kehazaei and Reza Barati. To Omid Masoumali, Reza X, Mohammad Hadi and Saed Hassanloo. To Rakib Khan, Mohammad Nazari, Omid Ali Avaz and Rezene Mebrahta Engeda. All of these people suffered Australia’s cruel treatments and were killed in this way – as you yourself were Khodayar. False slogans of humanity stuffed your ears with nonsense as the flames destroyed your body. Your desperation a year ago was intense and I wish that I could offer you some comfort. These rituals of homage at the place and time of your death is a measure of my rage and regret. Love Stephen

29th letter, the death of my mother

Dear Khodayar, I want to tell you that my mother has died. Since she has died I sometimes wake up in the night and think about her. The shock of her death interrupts my sleep and makes me cry. I used to talk to her about you, about my drive to make art about your life, and about the persecution of refugees by the Australian government. Now I can’t talk to her ever again. And I can’t talk to you either, Khodayar. Inspite of this I feel her presence and your presence in my life. I am not dead yet and I am determined to use my life for love and for remembering. I can’t undo your cruel death but I am witness to what you endured and what you discovered. I must work to free our sisters and brothers who are falsely locked in the same prison where you once stood. Your guidance and her guidance make me strong in that determination. We should not be cruel to each other. You told this to the world Khodayar. Others have also said this. While we are alive we must be kind and loving to one another. We are nor seperated. Anyone who thinks about your life and death can see this. After my mother died I had to write, “Life is so beautiful”, with tears in my eyes, because it is true. Love Stephen