I would love to be anything in this world
but not a woman
I could be a parrot
I could be a female sheep
I could be a deer or
a sparrow living in a tree
But not an Afghan woman.
I could be a Turkish lady
With a kind brother to take my hand
I could be Tajik
or I could be Iranian
or I could be an Arab
With a husband to tell me
I am beautiful
But I am Afghan woman.
When there is need
I stand beside it
When there is risk
I stand in front
When there is sorrow
I grab it
When there are rights
I stand behind them
Might is right and
I am a woman
Always alone
Always an example of weakness
My shoulders are heavy
with the weight of pains.
When I want to talk
My tongue is blamed
My voice causes pain
Crazy ears can’t tolerate me
My hands are useless
I can’t do anything with
My foolish legs
I walk with
No destination.
Until what time must I accept to suffer?
When will nature announce my release?
Where is Justice’s house?
Who wrote my destiny?
Tell him
Tell him
Tell him
I would love to be anything in nature
But not a woman
Not an Afghan woman.
By Roya
I share your stories with my students twice a week, and I usually find that they’re very moved by what all the women at this project have to say.
I love how honest and simple your words are, because their simplicity makes them powerful. Keep writing, Roya. Your dedication to your writing and to your rights are inspiring.
Hi Roya,
I am one of Neha Bawa student, I read your poem and i could relate to you. I’m not an Afghan woman but my Vietnamese culture is somewhat similar to yours. There are time when I wish I could be any other race or animal then a Vietnamese girl. I love how your poem was simple, and it wasn’t at all complicated like other poems. I hope that you do keep writing and i look forward to reading more of your work.
Hi Roya,
My name is Yaixa, I am one of Neha Bawa student. I love the way you express your fellings in your poem, is very touchy. When you say “My shoulders are heavy
with the weight of pains” -keep writing and you will find a way to make them lighter.
Thank You Roya, your words are very sincere.
Hi Roya, I’m also a student of Neha Bawa. I read your poem and it brings tears to my eye’s. It’s nice, simple and very easy to understand. I’m a hispanic women and I can’t say that I understand your culture and your ways of life. But as a women I can relate to your pain, because we want nothing more but to be independent and free to say or do as we please and one thing we have in command is having alot of weight on our shoulder’s that we have to carry around. I believe that is within every race. I like your poem alot and I would love to hear more. keep up the good work your doing great.
Roya you have written very good but……….
“Changing the Face” can change nothing
but “Facing the Change” can Change everything
Hello Roya, I am one of Neha Bawa’s students. As I read your poem I tried to imagine myself in your ‘shoes’. As hard as I tried I could not get there. I did read your poem more than once and realized something. You are in fact that parrot,you are that sparrow in the tree. You are strong and brave ( even if unknown to some ). You have a gift for writing and expression. Some people struggle to find the simplest words and you fill the page with so much more than just words. Your legs are probably just as foolish as mine. Feeling as if your walking in circles sometimes. Perhaps you have a destination and you just don’t know what it is yet. I love writing and reading and hope that you continue to do this for as long as you can.
Hey Roya, I as well am a student of Neha Bawa and after reading your poem all I can say is that i have a large amount of respect for you! seeing your braveness leves me at an awh. keep your head up your doing Great!!!!!!!!
Hi Roya, I am a student of Neha Bawa. And as I was reading your poem I felt the feeling in it. I may not be in your shoes but the meanings behind your words felt so deep. Reading how you expressed how your words don’t mean nothing makes me think of how some women I’m this word don’t have equal rights and might not ever have them rights. I thank you for expressing your feeling through this poem, it really opened up my eyes to alot of things other women experience in this world of ours.
Roya,
I don’t know if there is more than one Roya posting their writings but your work is amazing!! Everytime i read something writen by ‘Roya’ I just stare at the screen in amazment, your words are so strong–powerful; you have incredible talent! I feel the emotion in every word. I want to congratulate you prematurely on the path to success that you have inevitably embarked upon.
Dear Roya,
Your words make me appreciate life so much more, I can’t thank you enough for this. I feel your pain but I also feel a powerful source of energy from you and believe you have guts to shape your own destiny.
In a world of constant change and unpredictable opportunities, you too have a chance. Your way might be harder than many others’ but you certainly stand out. Let your internal strength carry you through all the exercises that your soul is put through, I know you will find the life you strive for, keep going!
With love and respect,
Elena
This poem brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing your voice. Please know that your words have an impact half-way round the world. Your life is so different from mine, but deep down, we are sisters.
Nice writing Roya Jan
So beautiful, Roya! I love your choice of other lives that you could have lived, both animal and human. It shows us, without you needing to tell us, that you are a woman of imagination and empathy. For some reason your poem reminds me of my favorite verse in the Tao te Ching:
http://www.wussu.com/laotzu/laotzu20.html
All my best to you. Please keep writing.
Sarah
Every time I read this poem, I myself cry for Roya.
Dearest Roya- I have been reading your writings more than hours today. This piece is just AMAZING!