My heart breaks with the news
An attack in Paris by cowards!
By those who misuse the name of humanity
When I was a child I knew French people
In the heart of Kabul, there was Malali high school
And there was Esteqlal high school for boys
Both supported by the French
In critical periods of war in Afghanistan
When there was fighting
Muslims killing Muslims
No one knew why
The doors of the French hospital opened
To care for and treat Afghan victims
Side by side French people
Helped my country
I never had the opportunity
To say thank you
Now I feel shame
With these attacks
By those who water the tree of our life
With blood, blood, blood
But as long as we live
We breathe freedom
We live free and will continue to do so
Paris! The city of light
We want you bright, bright, bright!
By Pari
Photo by Divulgação Prefeitura de Paris
Dear Pari: Your “thank you”, though belated, is heartfelt and it comes through your poignant words. Thank you for this poem. Thank you for the heart you share so generously in your writings. Stacy
Dear Pari,
I hope you know what you wrote was a little tear jerking, and very thoughtful. It’s a hard thing to face, to know that you might be looked at differently because of the clash of religion. I hope you know that there are people out there who know that not all are in this. I hope you stay okay. It’s a sad fact that this happened. It’s also sad that you feel as if YOU let everyone down. Don’t. Dry your eyes, everything will be okay.
Much love.
Beautiful writing, Pari. The thought of you feeling shame for a murderous act committed by men who felt no shame makes me sad. You are a wonderful persona and you show your gratitude to the French people who helped your country every day that you continue to write and lift up your voice for change, for peace. Thank you for writing this heartfelt poem. Love and best wishes, Nancy