I once heard my father tell a friend that his relationship with my mother reminded him of a story by Attar, the twelfth-century Persian mystic poet, about a man who fearlessly rode a ferocious lion. When the narrator followed this brave man to his home, he was shocked to see how easily he was cowed by his wife. How could a man who was not afraid of a fierce beast be so intimidated by his own wife? His host shot back: If it weren't for what happens at home I could never ride a lion.
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The author reflects on a story shared by her father, comparing his relationship with her mother to a tale by the Persian poet Attar. In this tale, a courageous man who rides a lion is ultimately subdued by his wife. This contrast raises questions about masculinity and the dynamics of personal relationships, where fearlessness in one realm does not necessarily translate to another.
This anecdote highlights the complexities of human relationships, suggesting that true strength may lie in coping with domestic challenges. The father's insight—that domestic life fuels his courage in the outside world—illustrates the intertwined nature of personal and public identities.
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