	"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 land mines, 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
	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.

The poem above was written by one of your sisters. It is an acurate depiction of the life you may have once had when in your home country. Here in the US, women are equal to men in every way and a women cannot be held captive of be forced to do anything she does not wish. Your body is your own and no one can tell you what you should or should not do with it. You are not forced to wear veils and cover your body completely. You may be more comfortable in your own dress, but it is not necessary once you are here. We, in the US, accept you the way that you are and do not wish to change you, you may however feel more comfortable and fit in better if you follow a few guidelines Please see the section called "How to be more comfortable in the USA") . But remember, a women has the right to be anything she wants!