This story began from me
Me as a woman
Me as a daughter
Me as a mother
I am an Afghan woman
I am an incomplete puzzle in my land
I am an Afghan woman
My name is in the books
You see me on TV
Beaten, burned, and killed
This is me—
A writer, a fighter, and a mother
An Afghan woman
Who writes poems, stories
Read me, know me
I lost myself
I am locked in by a chain of rules
Who am I?
I can see injustice
I can hear false words about me
But I cannot speak
I am a silent woman
Who knows everything but can’t do anything
I am a candle that burns slow from sorrow
I am a woman
Invisible but still alive
I am known as an other
I cradle the world as a mother
by Shogofa
Dear Shogofa,
Yes, all life begins with a woman; no one can silence your wisdom. I am so happy the world is seeing your brave and beautiful words.
Pat
Beautiful and frightening. That is such a horrible feeling, to hear false words spoken about you, but to be unable to speak up. And the image of the “incomplete puzzle” – so vivid. Says so much. You are sharing so much through your poetry. I loved the warm, powerful way you ended it:
Invisible but still alive
I am known as an other
I cradle the world as a mother
Thank you for sharing your work with us!
Stacy
“Locked in by a chain of rules” is such a powerful line and clearly illustrates what it must feel like to be unable to speak up to right the wrongs that are all around. The imagery here is vivid and frightening and I applaud your bravery in writing this beautiful piece. Nancy
Dear Shogofa,
This poem is so powerful that I feel I must return to it many times to absorb its full intent and meaning. You are not silent; you are making your voice heard, around the world, through your writing on this blog.
Liz
Shogofa, this poem is going to stay in my mind for a very long time. The line: “I am an incomplete puzzle in my land” is such a strong image–beautiful words to convey an unbelievably frustrating feeling. Also the words: “This is me— A writer, a fighter, and a mother, An Afghan woman, Who writes poems, stories, Read me, know me.” I hope that many people from around the world come to know you through this poem, because your words speak such truth that deserves to be shared. Thank you for your honesty and your bravery and your poetry.