By Faiza
I once was a village with a clear blue sky and colorful flowers bringing life to my land. There was a sense of enthusiasm and excitement for what was possible.
Despite my shortcomings, I was full of vitality. Trees swayed with the wind, birds caressed ears with their song, and rivers soothed hearts with flowing water. Children played games in the streets with hope and happiness shining in their eyes. Boys and girls went to school with backpacks full of books and dreams, busy building their houses of wishes. The laughter of girls echoed through the mountains, and the tricolor flag proudly flew atop the towering peaks.
I was a village adorned with promise and hope, where talent sparkled like stars in the night sky.
But suddenly one day dark storm clouds overshadowed my clear blue sky. Fear and terror rained down, consuming everything it touched. All the happiness, the freshness of the dreams, and the excitement of my people were swallowed by a darkness.
On that day, the laughter of the girls was silenced. Smiles were wiped from the faces of children. The melody of birds stopped. Color lost its hue, sounds became muffled, pens were broken, books burned, and talents were trapped in a cold, dark enclosure.
The darkness took everything from me, even my identity.
I am Afghanistan. This painful voice you hear is my voice. I ask, from the depths of my heart, for all the nations to not leave me alone in this darkness. Help me clear these clouds away to see my blue sky once more.
Note: Faiza is a 23-year-old student from Bamyan who was deprived of education after the Taliban banned girls above the sixth grade and prohibited women from attending universities. she is currently learning English language.
