I am lost in a big land
that is always seeing wars and blood.
No one is with me
I am alone,
alone in the darkness.
I have seen many people at war with each other
and they tell each other I won and I won!
We are in darkness and no one can see us.
I am watching, playing, singing my best songs in darkness
but I don’t know anything about myself.
Where I am, who I am?
There is no one to share with me in this land,
because I am alone.
But I will rise in the dark sky of Afghanistan
to bring back the shining sun.
I would love to have my own land
to share and to live in it,
to change the darkness to light,
to give courage to my people.
The courage to be together
and to not be alone.
People think that we are alone
but if they feel for each other they would say,
we are together in this land.
Instead of starting to fight and war, they would say “Welcome”
and if they see the bleeding of people they would stop killing.
By Shahira, age 12
Shahira,
You made might heart sing when I read this! Beautiful just beautiful. What a wonderful gift you possess. I hope too that one day we will all say simply “welcome”, please continue writing and sharing and you will never be alone.
You are “singing my best songs in darkness,” but I want you to know that your beautiful and brave words have reached out to touch me and others. You have a beautiful way of expressing your deepest longings, and your words have power. We aren’t alone as long as our words can give voice to our hopes and dreams.
I echo Charla and Gail: Brava, Shahira! Beautiful, powerful–what more could we ask of a poem?
I especially appreciate:
People think that we are alone
but if they feel for each other they would say,
we are together in this land.
Instead of starting to fight and war, they would say “Welcome”
and if they see the bleeding of people they would stop killing.
Profound words, Shahira. Please keep writing!
Stacy
What a powerful call for peace through holding up a mirror to the terrible errors of us humans. Sometimes I think if women ruled the world, there would be no more bloodshed. That day is still a way off, but I hope that you can continue to “rule” through your writing — spreading your truth through poetry.
Shahira,
Wow! I was lost but now I am found in the “big land” of your heart. Thank you for sharing this. As long as there are poems like this we will never be alone.
Best,
Peter
Thank you for your big heart, big eyes, and courage. Your poem reads like a prayer. We are praying with and for you.
Dear everyone,
Thank you very much for giving me the nice comments and your nice thoughts about my poem. Your thoughts and your comments are very important to me.
Thank you very much,
Shahira
What a beautiful poem, Shahira. I especially love these lines:
“But I will rise in the dark sky of Afghanistan
to bring back the shining sun.”
It’s a theme that is repeated, which is what makes it so powerful. Thank you so much for sharing.
Best wishes to you always,
Bethany
Shahira jaan,
Very nice poem, thanks for writing it.
I cried and cried reading your poem, I cried for my self that as you I grew up in darkness and I cry for all Afghan children.
I am so proud, in this age you feel and understand so much, your words talks with me, I can picture you my little poet sister as a shinning star in the dark sky of my poor Afghanistan, Remember one thing and that is you will be an extraordinary writer!
Keep writing little poet!
Love
N
Shahirah you are an inspiration – keep writing. We are all listening and singing with you xxx
Shahira,
Your writing is truly amazing! This poem is so inspirational, profound, and powerful, and each phrase is beautifully crafted. You are an exceptional writer and a brave person. I hope you will continue to write and share your thoughts with us!
Best regards,
Michele W. 43229
Dear Shahira,
Your writing appears to have invoked a sense of solid mourning within my mind. I apologize for the present condition which you are living in, while I only wish that I could better interpret your sorrow, and sympathize your pain. Nevertheless, the emotions that you have incorporated within your writing are strong, defiant, and honest. No matter the turmoils that you may continue to encounter, I am confident that you shall prevail. Forever, your thoughts shall stand firm in my mind, as I encourage you to continue expressing your feelings through writing.
Sincerely,
Alex W.
Your writing is truly deep. It is as if your words are peering in to my soul. You are a very good at manipulating words Shahira. Definitely continue writing.
Sincerely Benjamin W. 4341
Hello Shahira,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! Your writing is very deep and thought-provoking. Stay optimistic and we hope the situation gets better. Please continue writing!
Shahira, that was a great poem. It really made me feel isolation and darkness. Your words are trule beautiful and I hope that your words do reach people to make your land bright again and to bring the sun back.