Sometimes it just feels hopeless. I just want to give up. Sometimes it is beyond unbearable. I wish I hadn't known that land and this cursed sense of belonging and not belonging at the same time.
They used to call it the "land of red tulips", does anyone even remember that name? Even my friends call it the "land of Taliban", then they smile and shake their heads with sympathy: "How are things back home? Getting any better?" The answer is always: "No". But I don't say it, I tell them about one good thing that happened last month, I repeat it, try to convince them that it will finally work out. Try to convince myself.
Sometimes I dream of the gardens and laughter. I wake up and everything smells like fresh grass, I feel peace. I think I will go back and won't worry, just run, laugh, be. There will be sun, light and happiness.
Since I was born, it has never been in peace. Has it ever been in peace, even before that? I grew up, escaped, cried, worried, and worried again. I have been worrying every day of my life.
I want it back, I want my land back, I want my religion back, I want everything back. Why can't I have it? I want peace.
You try to calm me, you give me reasons, you remind me other places, you are wise, you are grown, you are my friend and although you have never been there, you love Afghanistan for me. You tell me: Come on Shahry! we are strong women. You are a strong woman, Deb, but maybe I am not. Maybe I was just pretending. I don't care anymore, I don't want to wait, I don't want to think about why it happened and keeps happening? I don't want to work, build, escape..I don't... I know it is childish, I know it doesn't help, but I am angry, I am so angry dear.
I know, I know that I can't do anything for now. I know it is just pain.... but how does that help, Deb? How does anything help?
I have told you about it right? About the beautiful mountains, beautiful people, a dry, stubborn land.. You know of my love, my irrational belonging, my longing, my pain... My inability burns me Deb, my inability to do anything meaningful, anything that helps..
One day, anger will eat me up. I will want to live, happy and free in a peaceful country.. But maybe that day will never come for me... It hurts me but I wish the day of peace finally comes, and it wouldn't matter if I am not there anymore to celebrate...
Pray for me, and pray for my land, my friend.. I have faith in prayers, sometimes..
Sorry dear, I complained a lot, I didn't intend to.. I won't show these notes to you.. But you know, you are helpful, I already feel better... And it is easier to be selfish in English... It is easier to complain..
