When I found out the theme of this festival was endurance, it was as if a film of my own life passed before my eyes. I studied microbiology at my university in Iran, but it had many obstacles and was underfunded that made it harder to improve in my field. I pushed myself to improve its situation and it was an experience where I truly endured a lot and was still able to succeed. When I wanted to put this into writing, I was inspired by a very strong and sturdy tree to write this work. That tree is the Tamarisk tree, known in Iran as derakht-e Gaz. A tree that grows in the middle of the desert and is resistant against storms, dehydration, and is a sign of life. The lives of many living beings are formed around this tree and the entire food chain and ecosystem is formed from this one tree. Although this tree may go years without water, it still remains alive, resists, and gives life. I wrote and recited this piece in Persian and my good friend Oliver Hakim translated it into English so you can understand it. Overall this was a great inspiration for me and it is my hope that you’re able to learn about a part of my land and the nature of my land.