Seed of Resilience

A Poem

An Afghan woman breaks away from weaving an Afghan rug in her home in the Dragon Valley region of Bamyan, Afghanistan, an area that was once a Taliban stronghold. The woman is employed by Arzu Studio Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides income to Afghan women by sourcing and selling the rugs they weave. Arzu helps weavers and their families break the cycle of poverty by providing them above market compensation and access to education and healthcare. Arzu founder, Connie Duckworth, visited Helmand province in search of possible locations to expand the organization. (Commons)

We come from the soil, and to it we shall return, 
Yet in life’s journey, it’s easy to feel we’ve been spurned. 
Sometimes we feel buried, though we still breathe, 
A weight on our hearts, as if hope takes its leave. 

To all who believe they’ve died deep inside, 
When shadows grow long, and light starts to hide, 
Listen closely, dear friend, to the whispering breeze, 
For even in darkness, there’s power to seize. 

When troubles surround, like a storm-tossed sea, 
You are not buried; perhaps you’re a seed! 
Pause for a moment, and change your own view, 
It’s time to grow stronger, more vibrant, more true. 

Roots in the darkness, your branches to expand, 
Embrace the resilience that life has planned. 
It’s what you do quietly, away from the eyes, 
That will bring forth your light, like the sun in the skies. 

In darkness, reflect on the spark that you hold, 
You may be the beacon, brilliant and bold. 
For it’s often the shadows that highlight the stars, 
And brave are the souls who conquer their scars. 

We forgive the child who fears what’s unknown, 
For it’s the fear of the light that makes us feel alone. 
I understand the struggle of battling the night, 
Yet only through darkness, can we find our true light. 

Step into the shadows, let them show you your worth, 
For in that still silence, you’ll discover new birth. 
Not all darkness is scary; some moments are bright, 
You’ll find in the void, you radiate light. 

Embrace every challenge, let your spirit take flight, 
For it’s in the darkest valleys, we find our true might. 
So, rise now, dear friend, from the depths of your plight, 
Remember, you’re a star—shine fiercely, shine bright!

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Helai is an Afghan refugee living in the United States