The place that makes me happy is Mazar-e-Sharif,
my mother’s homeland.
Sometimes I feel it a special place just for me.
My uncles, my aunts, my friends—everyone lives there.
When I see them, I want to stay and when
I see my mother there, she is happy and it makes me happy too.
I am from Kabul, but I love Mazar.
It is so green with beautiful trees,
mountains to hike and so many streams
to wash your face and run through your hands.
Too cold to swim in, but I feel safe and peaceful there.
The mountains are big and tall, in colors from blue to red.
They are lush with green trees,
and everything green brings a sense of peace.
There is no Taliban
Sometimes there is fighting, but not like Kabul.
Mazar is much better than Kabul,
which is too hot in the spring.
Its mountains make me run
The sea makes me fresh.
This is why I love Mazar—
It is the most important place for all of my family.
By Madia, age 14
Photo by Phil Borges.
Madia Jaan,
Good job! I love your poem. It is beautiful like Mazar-e-Sharif and like you, my dear.
Much love,
Elisabeth
Madia
What a very well expressed poem! I think you have a real talent and you are a very bright young woman who will contribute to what you want women to be able to do in your country.
Baba Bob
I have a warm feeling in my chest reading this poem, Madia. I can feel your love for the land, this place that makes your mother happy. There is no happiness like seeing one’s mother truly happy and I am brightened just reading your words. Keep up the beautiful work. Stacy
I can see myself there standing next to you! I love the line, “the see makes me fresh.” Thank you for sharing!
Lisa
Lovely, Madia!! Thank you for your writing!!
Kathy
Dear Madia,
Thank you for your wonderful poem. Many times when we see pictures of Afghanistan on television they show a place that looks quite foreboding. The earth is so brown and the mountains are so rugged. I was happy to be transported by your words to what must be a beautiful place. Mazar seems like a wonderful place to experience nature and the love of your family.
Thank you for sharing,
elise