Note: esphand (Peganum harmala, also known as Syrian rue) is a type of seed burned on charcoal to rid children of the evil eye and sometimes to bring blessings after a sorrowful rite, such as attending a funeral.
I pass days and nights with your memories
Because of you I wear my golden dress my friend
I stand in front of the mirror with a passion
I use fresh mascara in my eyes my friend
And make my eyebrows like the half moon
For you I wear the veil of my dream my friend
My poor heart, I am not used to separation
All my body becomes eyes and waits my friend
I imagine seeing you in my neighborhood or somewhere outside
Because of my love to see you I watch everything
I am afraid for people to know that I am beautiful
I hide myself behind the walls my friend
If mother comes and asks where I was
I make a hundred excuses, one after another, my friend
When you come with all your beauty and fairness
I bring esphand for you my friend
By Naheed
Translated from Dari by Pari. Photo by Coaster420.
Naheed — Your sad poem makes my heart ache — especially the lines:
“I imagine seeing you in my neighborhood or somewhere outside
Because of my love to see you I watch everything.” Your beautiful words explain what grief is like in a stunning way. Thank you for sharing this. And thank you to Pari for the translation. Nancy
Dear Naheed, Your words are beautiful. I like how you end each line with “my friend.” The world now sees your beauty through your words. –Pat