My heart hurts
Living in this place
Worse than a prison
My heart hurts
Because I am not
Treated like a human
My heart hurts
Because I have no voice
In who I marry
I am accused of being unworthy
Lies about me spread
I am stoned, beaten, burned
This is not just the story
Of Farkhunda in Kabul
Rukhshana in Ghor
This is the story of thousands
Of women in Afghanistan
Their government does not listen or help
But I am rising
My powerful voice is louder
I write the truth with my golden pen
My heart hurts and I am poor
I stay in the dark corner
Of my house and cry
By S Anonymous
Photo: Eric Kanalstein / UNAMA
Dear S — My heart hurts reading your words, too. But I’m encouraged by the line in your beautifully written poem, “…I am rising” — a simple image but incredibly hopeful. May the women of Afghanistan continue to rise and speak golden truths about the need for change.
Love and all best wishes, Nancy
My lovely S, how our feeling is like each other and i know other girls feel the same us we feel. My dear raise your voice, write all the time, we will win one day.
Dear S,
Yes, to this poem and to you and your golden pen!
Extremely powerful, S. In 8 short stanzas, you are speaking for millions of women who are silenced, who live in fear. Thank you for being their voice when they face too much violence to speak. Sharing this poem now. Extremely proud to do so. Stacy