My Afghan girl, don’t cry; get up
Nothing is in your favor.
No one can hear you.
Stop complaining;
No one is listening to you.
My Afghan girl, get up
Raise your voice, get your rights.
It is your life, it is your right.
Don’t expect anything from anyone,
Don’t wait for anyone.
My Afghan girl, get up
Don’t be silent, don’t be crying.
Take the pen, write your future.
You are the mother of our land.
Your land needs you to be strong.
My Afghan girl, get up
Your tears are worthless.
Don’t beg; don’t say, “I can’t do it.”
Stop the violence, stop the crying.
Get up, my Afghan girl
Show the world
That no one can stop you
From getting your rights.
By Shogofa
Photo: Martin Middlebrook
This is beautiful! I love the strength you convey in your poem. Keep writing!
We stand behind you, Shogofa and all Afghan women as you “Get Up!”.
This is very well-written! I have always said that as long as our sisters do not demand and really claim their rights (those that Islam has given), they shall never get them!
I am very sad about the contemporary “business of daughters” (selling one’s daughter very expensive that usually lead to a bitter maried life of the new couple)…
This is such a beautiful poem – it was first introduced to me in a graduate school class at NYU in June. A classmate recited it as part of a presentation. Thank you, thank you!