Translated by Fatemeh Ekhtesari, with poetic adaptation by Dr Samuel Tongue and cultural support from Oliver Vass.
The Last Kiss is the result of a rare and deeply collaborative process — a conversation between languages, experiences, and artistic sensibilities.
Each contributor brings a distinct perspective shaped by poetry, exile, and the search for resonance across cultures.
Fatemeh Ekhtesari is a poet and writer from Iran whose work has been published and celebrated internationally.
Now based in Norway, she has released two poetry collections in her new home. Her deep understanding of Mehdi Mousavi’s writing allows her to capture its emotional and philosophical essence with rare precision, creating translations that remain true to the heart of each line while carrying their meaning into new linguistic and cultural contexts. ekhtesari.com
Samuel Tongue is a poet and academic who taught for many years at the University of Glasgow and is now part of the Scottish Poetry Library.
An accomplished poet in his own right, he ensures that the lyrical power, rhythm, and emotional intensity of Mehdi’s poems endure through translation — shaping the final versions so that they speak with vitality and poetic force to new readers. samueltongue.com
Oliver Vass is an editor and language and cultural professional whose background in international relations — with a focus on the Middle East — informs his sensitivity to nuance and context.
Working closely with Fatemeh and Samuel, he helps identify culturally resonant parallels and preserve the layered meanings of the original poems. His role bridges worlds, ensuring that the political and emotional depth of Mehdi’s work remains as vivid and immediate for its new audience.
Sic Publishing is an independent publisher based in Lillehammer, Norway.
The company focuses on global affairs told through compelling human stories, giving voice to writers working under censorship, exile, and social constraint.
Through projects like The Last Kiss, Sic Publishing seeks to connect literature, human rights, and cultural understanding — creating space for voices that challenge borders and redefine freedom.