Afghanistan

“Rugged in appearance Otherwise I’m quite fragile Centuries old now, but even in my youth As though I was senile Family and friends around me Were afflicted with this pandemic too! Our children and great grand children In their struggle to survive Got to play with Klash n’ Cove Ordinary toys were not their joys Girls we protected in cozy covers   In search of the right path I’m still in the dark Holding hands with you could have led us in the right direction Children would have followed And escaped the scattered nails & planted mines   How can I welcome and celebrate! Your supersonic arrival The equipment you brought But the necessary maps And the directions you forgot! I’m devastated to discover That even in the prime of youth You’ve become blind Was it the Power that intoxicated you so?   In this frigid cold Must I wait for another century! Grow more senile In the hope that At least your blindness would some day be cured?”   ……………………………. Zohra Zoberi February 20, 2008