When I was six
Mom was holding my hand tightly
As tight as she could
Brother, older sisters holding hands
Everyone carrying at least something
Dad carrying grandma on his back
The warm weather
Darkness everywhere
Fear all over our bodies
The voice of the people-smuggler in our ears:
Fast! Hurry! Run! This way! Quiet!
Crouch down! Stop!
Freeze! Stay awake!
The rough road, the sharp stones
Mom, my slippers got holes
My feet are hurting
Be quiet my dear
We’ll be there soon
Lost my slippers
Mom, my slippers are gone
They broke completely
Carry on, my love, it’s fine
Can we relax for a bit?
No, hush . . .
I am tired, hungry
The stones are hurting my feet
Finally, a smile from the smuggler —
Congratulations, we’ve passed the border!
Thank God, we are alive!
By Farahnaz
Photo from Wild Frontiers Travel
Stunning, stunning poem. My heart is still in my throat. Brava, Farahnaz. So very proud of your writing, and what you are achieving in your life.
Stacy
Incredible poem. Such suspense and sense of danger. Such glorious relief–“Congratulations, we’ve passed the border!”
Elisabeth
What a beautiful poem and tribute to your family, Farahnaz. Your mother urging you, “Carry on,” your father carrying grandma on his back, your brother and older sisters holding hands, everyone carrying something, helping each other through the fear. With this strength in your past and inside you, you will always be able to carry on through the stones of life.
Gabrielle
This is incredible beyond words.
It is so vivid, so real.
The story it tells must be heard. Thank you!
Liz