THE DREAMS OF A GIRL IN AFGHANISTAN
22 May 2022/1401-03-01
This story was written by Rahil (pseudonym), a writer in Afghanistan, in Persian originally. It has been translated by us to English. Find the Farsi version here.
Standing in front of the window
Looking into the passers by
Of these streets and alleys
In the midst of all the gloom and angst,
Longing for someone to come to
Shed tears of joy and start the song of freedom,
To bring happy tidings that the people are liberated
That women are free, everyone can live as they please
“Now get up and see the world’s beauties with your own eyes”.
I long to no longer see the seven colored burqas
There lest anyone should see our face.
I long for students to put on their school uniforms,
Take the steps towards school in a rush,
(All while it’s now nine months that girls have not seen school.)
I long to see university students choose their outfits to wear
And go to class at the designated time,
Not worn down by a heavy psychological and physical toll
But eager to explore their own interests and passions in the world.
(All while it’s now months that girls’ wear is policed and many, such as those in engineering, have been forced to change studies).
I long to see fathers, free of worry and fear,
Go to the office at 8 in the morning again,
Prepare hourly, weekly, and monthly reports,
And return home with a cheerful mood and plentiful gifts
To mothers who greet them with happy smiles.
More than anything, I long to see girls and women wake up from hibernation
Thirsty to contribute to society again, prepare for their return to their jobs.
Jobs, which they’ve dreamed about and worked tirelessly for years for
So that they can one day stand on their own two feet
And support themselves and their families.
But currently, they’re sitting behind the window,
Staring with sunken and tired faces at passers-by who
Scour the city for food to feed their families,
All while mocking themselves at the absurdity of their dreams.
Will someone come to take away the sorrow of the people’s hearts,
So that sorrow may become a distant past that becomes
Invisible as we watch it fade away?
Even if for a single moment, I would pay to regain real laughter, a calm heart, and now seemingly impossible hopes!!!
Where can I buy these?
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