1.

With Many Hopes

With books and with a pen, 

I dreamed to read and build my homeland.

But they set fire to the books and burned my dreams.

When my hands were torn from the pen,

Arrows of death rained down upon me.

My dreams of peace remained,

But my life turned to ashes.

2.

If I were to say where my books have taken me,

The men of this age would stone me mercilessly.

3.

Oh God, hear the cry of Afghan Girls

Oh God, hear the cries from the broken hearts of Afghan girls,

Listen to the sorrow of Afghan children.

What do they want but freedom and education?

Hear the voice of this 14-year-old Afghan girl—

What does she seek but a pen and a book?

Oh God, what has that poor soul done,

That they tore her heart into pieces?

4.

With great passion and hope, I went to study and learn,

But they broke my hands and feet so I couldn’t return.

I was devoted to learning, yet they made me lose my way,

Now I’m left in despair, as my fate fades away.

5.

My homeland, I would sacrifice myself for your wounds.

My homeland, I would give my life for your tricolored flag.

For your sorrow and despair,

For your soil and your land,

I will rebuild you with passion and hope,

I will make you a shining moon among the stars.

6.

Dearest father, my greatest joy.

The most beautiful of all flowers, oh father,

My heart and soul are yours, dear father,

I’d give my life for the dust beneath your feet, father.

7.

My mother is kind and true,

She’s the shelter I turn to.

Without her, my heart is weary and worn,

Lonely, aching, and forlorn.