Afghan Women’s Writing Project

AWWP Mission Our mission is to support the voices of women with the belief that to tell one’s story is a human right.

If I Don’t Write I asked my soul last night, “What happens to you if you don’t write?” My soul was in deep thought I said again, “Answer me… Pardon me! I asked if you don’t write, what will happen?”

My soul’s eyes were full of tears. She sat in front of me and said, “I can’t imagine what will happen but I can understand when I don’t write I am like a dry river. Fishes say goodbye. I am like a thirsty tree waiting for water in a desert — I am like an orphan child searching love of parents — I am like a broken lover — I am like a blasted Kabul street full of blood.

“When I can’t write, It is hard to say — but it is my only identity. I can’t stop writing because when I can’t talk — when I am very alone, I am not alone. With my writings I write about things I can’t talk about. When I write I feel fresh I wear my favorite dress of my desires, sit under the tree of my thoughts and I write and write.

“I stop? Maybe when I am not able to breathe. When…” By Roya

KChavda says: Feb 1, 2011 at 9:22 pm Dear Roya, What a beautiful poem! “When I write I feel fresh I wear my favorite dress of my desires, sit under the tree of my thoughts and I write and write.” This deep seated urge in all of us to express ourselves and how suffocating it is when our expression is repressed by external or internal factors. I wish you all the best in life. May you keep writing and expressing yourself. And may we be fortunate enough to read your words and in that process, make these words part of our lives. Regards, KC

Reply Dr. James R. Fisher, Jr.Dr. James R. Fisher, Jr. says: Feb 1, 2011 at 10:11 pm Yes, this is a beautiful poem. It was sent to me by a friend who is himself a writer. He recently wrote to me that if he didn’t write he would explode. Not all writers will have their books, essays, poems and profiles celebrated, but all writers share the same sense of the wonder of the word expressed here. Thank you. Be always well, James R. Fisher, Jr., Ph.D.

Susan Peterson says: Feb 11, 2011 at 3:46 am I love how you wear your writing and find the solace, “sit under the tree of my thoughts”. Beautiful piece; you are an inspiration. Bless. Reply Edith MaxwellEdith Maxwell says: Feb 14, 2011 at 7:43 am Roya, thank you. Axel told me about you. I am also a writer, but not of such beautiful poetry. Blessings to you, and safety. I hold you in the Light. Reply

Get Involved 1. Become a mentor Work with 8-10 young women, providing prompts and feedback, ask questions, make suggestions, edit their work and send for publication, 2 month commitment 2. Support Club Commit to reading and sharing writing 3. Communications Team Help form and execute strategies

Afghan Women’s Writing Project Website: Stacy Le Melle Director of Volunteer Operations, Communication, and Social Media Elise Russo