One night when I was so tired,
I tried but couldn’t sleep.
I turned on the TV—
A reported explosion
The place of explosion was bloody
Everything destroyed
Everyone injured
There was fire and smoke in the air
Everyone cried for their families
From their injuries.
There was no hope for their lives
The suicide attackers brought the sound
Of hopelessness to all people
The suicide attacker
Destroyed his life and others
He is not a human
A human does not kill another human
He is an animal
I want to ask the attackers
Why they kill people without reason
Power doesn’t mean killing
Power means bringing new life
Power is opening doors for improvement—
Not hiding its keys
By Mahsa, age 13
Brava, Mahsa. So many strong lines in this poem, so much deep meaning here. I am especially struck by the final couplet:
“Power is opening doors for improvement—
Not hiding its keys”
But everything you say here to prove the point that power is not killing–yes, yes, yes– you are making your argument with strength here. Your vision and your words are impressive and clear. Again, brava.
Stacy
Yes, thank you so much, Mahsa, for the courage to speak your mind and to do so most eloquently. I also think your two final lines are so moving and forceful:
“Power is opening doors for improvement—
Not hiding its keys”
Inshallah, or from your mouth to God’s ear, something that translates to all languages, religions, and cultures—and applies to both men AND women.
Yes, “with respect,”
Doreen
Salaam, dear Mahsa.
What amazing words you have written. I especially love these words and will remember them:
Power doesn’t mean killing
Power means bringing new life
Power is opening doors for improvement—
Not hiding its keys
Thank you for writing, Mahsa. All who read your words will be wiser.
With respect, Jeannie
Dear Mahsa — This is a graphic poem that drives home the point that power is not killing — but rather bringing new life. I hope others will read this and realize the truth of your words. Your poem is like strong medicine that everyone needs to swallow and take to heart. Well done! Nancy
Thanks alot dear Nancy.
Masha, I am moved by your beautiful, powerful words. If only all adults around the world could read them. What could happen? I am grateful for the hope that you bring to girls and women in your country–and to all of us around the world. Thank you for your courage and passion.
Masha, Keep writing, keep believing in the power of your words and your creative spirit. You are strong and brave and I admire your courage SO MUCH!!!
Thanks so much from all of your beautiful comments. I am very happy that every one of yours like my writings,and i promise that i will continue my attempts for writing better essays, poems,and histories.
This is a powerful piece. When I hear of the violence and war in your country and in mine, I wonder the same question as to why do these people want to destroy the lives of innocent people. I can not bring myself to understand the mental state of these people. The last two lines provide wonderful imagery. Your poetry speaks to many people, continue with it. I hope humans will soon find the solution to stopping this terror so people can stop living in fear.
Molly
Masha, your poetry has many questions that I too would want to ask attackers. Your essay has shown me that with each attack, hope is lost in many people. Your writing is inspiring, you have made a statement that will always stay with me “power means bringing new life” which is what many people seem to forget through hard times. If you don’t mind me asking, is your family in a safe place? And has the war separated you from family? Again, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful piece of poetry, I hope to see another poem from you someday that discusses how life has changed for the better in Afghanistan.