Ho, daughter of the harsh land
Wake up and walk
Beyond unaccustomed borders
Beyond this heart’s speech
To sun-filled fields
Ho, daughter of the horrible land!
When you are born female
Your voice is locked in silence
The chains of bondage are bolted
Calling your name is both sin and crime
Here you are called by your son’s name
Commanded not to raise your voice
Even when desperate or ill
Give life to your green future
Pierce the hard hearts with your voice
Blaze like sunshine with your footsteps
Plant tender seeds with your smile
Your strong stature proves there is love
And justice among the violence
Yes, wake up and walk
Daughter of this sun-drenched land
Arise like a light morning breeze!
Wake up and call your name
By Nasima
Nasima — This poem brings tears to my eyes with its power and fills my heart with joy for your determination to encourage women to walk forward across “unaccustomed borders” to “sun-filled lands” and to “pierce the hard hearts with your voice.” My favorite line of all is “Plant seeds with your smile” which speaks to making changes through love. Once again I am in awe of your writing and your strength. Thank you for writing this beautiful poem and sharing it with us. Nancy
Nasima, you have written such a lovely, striking poem. Your language is so creative, and your message so important. I especially love the last lines:
Daughter of this sun-drenched land
Arise like a light morning breeze!
Wake up and call your name
Thank you very much for sharing your writing with us.
Jill
Nasima,
this is an awesome poem. I love it! Wake up and walk oh daughters of the earth. Wake up and walk!
I’ll call your name! Nasima! Nasima the poet! Nasima of AWWP! Nasima who is showing us the way to wake up and walk!
Nisima,
Such a strong, beautiful poem. Afghan women have the power “Wake up and Walk”!