Daughter of War

[Editor’s note: Written on Sunday, 15 April, 2012, in Kabul during rocket attacks on government and diplomatic areas.]

I wrote this at the night, when the fight was going on. It was quiet night, because everyone was sleep, but we could hear the sound of helicopter and shooting. We did not have electricity as well; my computer had just 30% charge...

I hope you like it.

I am daughter of war.

When I was born

The war was going on

The sky was dark

The houses were broken

The weather was dusty

The trees were seared

There was no plant,

No human was awake

No tears in the eyes left

The streets were covered

By dead human’s bodies  

The blood was like a river

In the street, house and everywhere

I didn't consider failure

I was full of hope

I could see

Green places, a blue sky

Smiles in everyone’s face, tall buildings,

A book in my hand

Sitting under the tree

Studying with my parents and siblings

In my dreams

But

War never gave this chance.

War took my parents from us

War took my book

And gave me burqa

War forbade me from going outside

They put me in the jail of burqa

War changed my beautiful land

To the worst place in the world

War changed our smiles to tears

War made our dreams

Of going to school

Freedom of speech

To be just a dream

But

I will try

I will stand for my right

I will break the silence

I will show my power

And I will bring peace

In my country once again

I promised

There will be no more war

I will make my dreams true

Once again

My homeland will be like heaven

And my people will be released

— By, Zahra A. (04/15/12)