I do believe nothing is not possible, perhaps
not possible means I am possible.
I do believe in how much I love you
and will, even though you have become
a faded flower.
Nothing’s left on you except
limp petals, dried leaves.
Your thorns remain sharp.
But I can still smell your sweet fragrance,
see your past blossoms.
I can still smell that you are full of life,
believe nothing is not possible.
I will bloom you again,
feed you with every drop of my blood,
water you with my tears,
help you become lovelier,
stronger, more colorful
than before.
I will cast love on you,
because, Afghanistan, my life means nothing
without you. I am your candle.
I will burn, cast light on you,
so others can see your beauty,
smell your perfume.
And if I die in this winter season,
I do believe after darkness will be brightness,
after night will be day,
after sorrow will be happiness,
after every hatred will be love,
after war will be peace.
I will build you again, Afghanistan,
with peace and education,
if it costs me my life.
By Farahnaz
Photo: Afghan workers pluck saffron flowers on a farm in Herat, Afghanistan. Around 2500 farmers, in eight provinces, are working on saffron farms for export mostly to India and some European countries. Agricultural produce programs, including saffron, are being offered to farmers as an alternative to the harvesting of poppies, used in the production of heroin. Majid Saeedi / Getty Images
Farahnaz, thank you for your beautiful poem about the love you have for your country. The hopes you express are very beautiful and I was quite moved by your words. The imagery was enchanting and I loved it when you said “I do believe after darkness will be brightness” for this reminds us all to have hope no matter what we are experiencing in our lives.
Since you spoke about love, I want to share a few thoughts on love with you. Plato was an ancient Western philosopher who was born in Athens, Greece in 428 B.C. He studied with the great thinker Socrates and founded the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Although he lived over 2,400 years ago his wisdom is still relevant to us today. Here’s one of my favorite quotes from him; it’s about Love. “He whom Love touches not walks in darkness.”
My wish for you is to live a life filled with Love, walking in the light. (Just as you expressed the wish to be a candle shining light on Afghanistan.)Thank you for sharing your words, your thoughts, your hopes and your life with us. Please remember that you are not alone, and there are people in the world that care about the struggles your country are facing. I truly believe that all of us are connected to each other and that we all share in both the good things and the hard things that we all face in this life. As the famous Swiss thinker Carl Jung said “The world hangs on a thin thread, and that thread is the psyche of man.” Stay strong and live well. And keep writing!
Farahnaz Jan,
This is a poem of such beauty and love. I wish for you and for all the people of your country – especially for the women – that your wish will come true. You water the seeds of goodness and light in your country with your words. Your words will take root and a flower of great beauty will sprout. Because of your goodness.
Your poem is heartbreaking and beautiful. You’ve captured the beauty of your country and your love for your country but also the sadness you feel because of the difficulties your country has been going through. I live in the United States and most of what we hear about Afghanistan is bad, so it means so much to hear your voice and the life you give to your country. Thank you.
Simply beautiful. Thank you.
Thank you for this poem. It’s very well written and I just want to say that I am so sorry that the Afghanistan you knew and loved is not the same anymore. It will get better, I hope.
“I am your candle” was quite poetic. I expected “You are my candle.” Continue to be the light and hope of your country. Thank you for your lovely poem.