Shogofa introduction

Shogofa was born in Kabul and then lived in Mazar-i-Sharif, where she finished high school. She participated in the Foundation Studies Program at American University of Afghanistan. She hopes to complete her college degree and become a lawyer.

Let Me Grow Up

green wall

Let me see the world
Why must I stay in a cage?
The victim of so many rules.

Hide

woman in crowd

How hard it is to look at the time.
I don’t how it went so fast! Still behind—
How hard when I can’t stop the moments that mean the most…

Talk to Me

four young refugees

I am new in your land.
I bring my country’s story
I am tired from war.

For Last and For Ever

chapman-hyams

Today was the day I saw you for the last time—
you kissed me, held and hugged me.
I hoped to see you again, to sleep,
cradled in your arms,
but you left me for last and for ever.

Love

waterhouse shalott

If love is all of life, then why today does an arrow pierce me?
I don’t know if I should laugh, cry, or celebrate
That I lost him.

The Mirror

henna

In Afghanistan, it isn’t usually possible to have fun with men, and in some families, it’s really hard to laugh in front of men. But when Afghan women get together, they want to be happy and make each other laugh.

What Can I Give You, My Friend?

mauve scarf

I hear you say quietly:
Love never takes. It always gives.
Still, I want you to know
Your love is my worship

If You Want My Picture, Pay Me

boys begging

I’d like to smile, but I never try
I’d like to have a stuffed bear toy but I never have
I’d like to ride the bicycle but I never tried

Today I Want To Cry

kabul-cemetery

I want to laugh / But with whom? / Today I want to give a gift / But to whom? / Today is the day I should celebrate / Where is she?