1d
I get to go to school and pursue my education, you don't.
I get to wear the clothes of my choice and dance if I want, you don't.
I get to do what I like, and to live my day as per my will, you don't.
I have all the freedom a soul could ask for and want, you don't.
I can choose the masters I want to pursue, you can't.
I can walk freely on the streets and drive the car, you can't.
I can choose to work and bring home money, you can't.
I can express my thoughts freely with my name under, you can't.
I wish things were different, and I am sorry they are not.
I wish you had everything that I do and more, and I am sorry you don't.
I wish that the world were a better place for you, and I am sorry it is not.
I wish I could do something to help, but I don't know what.
I am writing this ode to let you know I see you, I see your strength.
I am writing this ode to let you know I revere your resilience.
I am writing this ode to let you know I look up to your perseverance.
I am writing this ode to let you know I pray for you from the bottom of my heart.
Till then, I will write for you,
For I do believe my pen is mightier than the sword.
The sword of the system and the world that failed you,
And I want you to know, my dear sister, I see you.
I get to wear the clothes of my choice and dance if I want, you don't.
I get to do what I like, and to live my day as per my will, you don't.
I have all the freedom a soul could ask for and want, you don't.
I can choose the masters I want to pursue, you can't.
I can walk freely on the streets and drive the car, you can't.
I can choose to work and bring home money, you can't.
I can express my thoughts freely with my name under, you can't.
I wish things were different, and I am sorry they are not.
I wish you had everything that I do and more, and I am sorry you don't.
I wish that the world were a better place for you, and I am sorry it is not.
I wish I could do something to help, but I don't know what.
I am writing this ode to let you know I see you, I see your strength.
I am writing this ode to let you know I revere your resilience.
I am writing this ode to let you know I look up to your perseverance.
I am writing this ode to let you know I pray for you from the bottom of my heart.
Till then, I will write for you,
For I do believe my pen is mightier than the sword.
The sword of the system and the world that failed you,
And I want you to know, my dear sister, I see you.
I read the words of a brave Afghani woman, written under a pen name, sharing her life under oppression. My heart broke. I felt deeply moved, profoundly saddened. This ode is for her, and for all the men and women across the world living under cruel, oppressive regimes. I see your strength and resilience, and I admire your courage. I am sorry the world is not kinder, and that things are the way they are.
