Editor’s note: The author wrote this poem on behalf of a girl who is eager to be and have a role in the future of her country. But instead of going to school she must beg for bread so her mother, two sisters, and younger brother can eat.
We Afghans, we are a zealous people,
stronger than a stone but delicate,
the most self-contained, but hot blooded,
the most kind, but vengeful,
the most peace loving, but warriors.
Here, this Afghan girl, she is a grown girl,
she burns to learn, to lead.
She dreams of being president
as she works each day to feed her brothers
and pay their school fees.
She looks out at you, abroad, in your newspapers,
from your websites, and she knows you are looking
and she wants to say to you
You see my face framed with my rough blue scarf,
streaked with mud from the fields,
but you can’t see my zealous, warrior’s heart,
How much it is hurt!
You see my glancing eyes,
but you can’t see my tears
How much they rain!
You see my laugh,
but you can’t see my pains
How much I have suffered!
You see my words,
but you cannot read my thoughts
How much power they have!
You see my steps,
but you cannot feel my intention
How it is solid and strong like our mountains.
You see my poverty,
but you cannot imagine my zeal
How it gives me strength!
You see my hard life,
but you cannot feel my confidence,
you do not know how deeply
it dwells and feeds me.
By Rabia A.
Photo by Mikhail Evstafiev
Rabia — Thank you for giving this child a voice and showing us her strength. Beautiful work! Nancy
Very affecting, Rabia. You are honoring this girl. Your are honoring all survivors and strivers with your words. Your poem gives hope. Please keep up the excellent work! Stacy
Dear Rabia,
Your very moving poem repeats “you cannot see”, “you cannot feel,” etc. in a sad rhythm. But I want you to know that because you wrote it and shared it here, we CAN see. Thank you. Keep showing us what we cannot see.
Linda
Dear Rabia, This is one of the most powerful and touching poems I have ever read. Your images are strong and beautiful in their sadness. Your similes make the poem even more powerful. I especially like the last stanza, showing the girl’s confidence despite her hardship! This is a poem of hope! Thank you for writing it. –Pat
What a lovely poem, Rabia. I like the way it relies on opposites. The stone is delicate. The gentle face hides a warrior’s heart.