"What Happened to My Life?"
By
Zieba Shorish-Shamley
Dedicated to My Afghan Sisters and All Other Women in the World Whose
Lives are shattered by War
March 8, 1999
I have to tell this world, my horrifying tale
They keeping me in dark, in terrifying cell
I am denied of sunshine, summer breeze and nature
They say this is my custom, as well as my culture
Painted black my windows, taken away my choice
They veiled me all over, choking my own voice
I am widowed with babies, no one to help or aid
Illness, pain and sadness, bare ground my bed
I have something to tell you, will you listen a moment?
I have no one to talk to, pain is great and torment
I do not see the seasons, winter, summer, or fall
No window to look into, surrounded by four wall (s)
Tell me about the forest, the murmur of a spring
Running through a meadow, or when the birds sing
Tell me about music, the melody of songs
Loosing all my memory, it has been so long
Tell me about the sunshine, its warmth and its ray (s)
Tell me about the moonlight, what did Hafiz say?
Tell me about the mountain, its majesty and height
Tell about the nature, her loveliness and sight (s)
Rivers, flowers, gardens, how did Sa`di portray?
Tell me for God’s Sakes! What did Khayam say?
Tell me about the rain, the children with kite
Tell me about the fall, the colors and its might
I was free at one time, with much pride and power
I was brave and bold, I was the tallest tower
Honor, greatness, dignity, I had respect and right
Learning Knowledge, insight, seeking truth and light
A daughter to my nation, with title and distinction (What happened…)
A mother to my children, with love and conviction
Worked hard for my country, with purpose and direction
With piety and reverence, I earned much affection
Ruse came to my homeland, causing harm, disruption
Invaders raped and murdered, causing much corruption
Millions became martyrs, they were brave defenders
The world was astonished, that we subdued offenders
Neighbors, foreign nations, serving the evil cause
Kindled the civil war, lengthened battle, no pause
They bought off the leaders, causing the nation pain
They robbed us like thieves, no one punished their sin
Cannons, guns, rockets, constant noise of battle
Thunder bombs and landmines, make each nerve rattle
Fires, ruins and horrors, engulfed every corner
Pierce the heart and soul, laments, cries of mourner
Leaders became traitors, losing sight and honor
They sold nation’s treasures, at every dark corner
They ruined and sold homeland, Kabul, Herat, Helmand
Nothing left of Ghazni, Frah, Badghis or Ghorband
Some made people leave home, using weapons and force
Some used bombs, rockets, miming people or worse
They made us divisive, Pushtoon, Tajik , Shia`
Turkmen, Uzbeck, Hazara, is this true Shria`
Who are these assailants who cause such divisions?
Who are these slayers who make such revisions?
Murder, vice and torment, became the rule of rulers
Terror, torture and rape, became the tool of rulers
Nation became hostage, to terrorists, tyrants
Chaos run rampant, justice became silent
Protests subdued with tanks, voices silenced with fists
No sign of peace and safety, foes kept on pretexts
History showed lessons, to aggressors, invaders
Afghans can’t be conquered, will punish hard raiders
Signals brew of storm, this lull, hush, deadness
Pours the rain of mercy, to purify wickedness
We are proud, determined, with powerful intention
We will defeat the mighty, with unity and patience
We will free our land, gain back pride, greatness
We will defeat invaders, the world will be witness
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Note: Hafiz, Sa`di and Khayam are great Persian poets. Kabul, Herat,
Helmand, Ghazni, Frah, Badghis, and Ghorband are places in Afghanistan.
Pushtun, Tajik , Turkmen, Uzbek, and Hazara are Afghan ethnic groups.
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