In the 1960s and ‘70s in Iran, Mahmud Kianush observed a trend among poets who wrote for children: they tended to focus on simplistic, didactic themes and used overly childlike language.
Feeling a sense of national duty to address this cultural deficiency, Kianush set out to create genuine poetry for children.
Defining Children’s Poetry:
Over a period of eight years, Kianush contributed to children’s and young adult magazines, pioneering a new approach to children’s poetry.
- He believed that poems for children are like toys made of words, sparking their imagination.
- These poems should be easy to sing, dance to, and play with and
- The subjects should align with children’s curiosity about nature, life, and emotions, allowing them to explore the world playfully.
Kianush’s poems for children and young adults were eventually compiled into eight books, all of which received various awards. These books were;
- The Indian Green Parrot
- The Language of Things
- The Garden of Stars
- The Children of the World
- Golden Beaked, with silver Wings
- Arch of Seven Colours
- The Sunshine of our House
- Poem by Poem
His principles were also compiled into a book on children’s poetry. This book titled “Children’s Poetry in Iran” (published in 1973) solidified his reputation as the founder of children’s poetry in Iran.
Legacy and Influence:
“Children’s Poetry in Iran” became an essential guide for poets aiming to write for children, with Kianush’s work serving as a benchmark for many aspiring poets.
Many contemporary poets, renowned for their children’s poetry, have drawn inspiration from his works.
Selected Poems in Persian from this Collection
Click on the title to view the Poem
The Indian Green Parrot
Kianush’s poem “The Indian Green Parrot” vividly portrays the bird’s vibrant past in lush jungles, now contrasted with its captive life. The poem imparts a poignant lesson on freedom and captivity, urging children to empathise with the parrot and respect the freedom of all living beings.
The Little Butterfly
In ‘The Little Butterfly’, Kianush evokes the enchanting beauty of a butterfly resting on a flower through vivid imagery and gentle rhythm. This poetic scene fosters curiosity and appreciation for nature in young readers, emphasising the joy of observing quiet moments. The language celebrates beauty while teaching children to slow down and find delight in the natural world.
Light
Kianush’s poem “Light” from the book “The Language of Things” explores children’s fear of darkness with vivid imagery. Personifying darkness as a menacing giant, the poem creates a sense of dread and unease, before transitioning to a comforting resolution with the introduction of a ‘child of sunlight,’ symbolising a light bulb. The poem reassures children that there is always a source of light to chase away the darkness, transforming the night into a peaceful and welcoming space.
The moon above, the moon below
“The moon above, the moon below” by Kianush portrays the moon as a symbol of purity and beauty, reflected in water as fragmented, highlighting the balance between perfection and imperfection. The poem invites children to contemplate different perceptions of beauty and reality. Through simple yet profound imagery, it explores the idea that beauty exists in various forms, including brokenness.
Like a deer it runs
The poem “Like a deer it runs” uses enchanting imagery to liken the wind to a swift and graceful deer, vividly portraying its movement through landscapes. Kianush’s words convey the wind’s playful spirit, inspiring young readers to appreciate the natural world and cherish the environment.
In the Birdcage
Kianush’s poem “In the Birdcage” uses the imagery of a trapped nightingale to explore themes of freedom, beauty, and the consequences of extraordinary gifts. The poem teaches children that beauty and talent can bring challenges and emphasises the importance of freedom for all creatures to allow beauty to flourish.