The Taliban say the war is over
The Americans say the war is over
The war is not over
for journalists in hiding—
for activists fearing for their lives—
for schoolgirls barred from class—
for millions facing famine
or even for the Taliban whose sharia
considers others non-human—
whose men are “not trained to speak to women.”
For invaders who have fled
and criminals who have occupied the land
the war may be over—
but the war against life and liberty
goes on
Therefore send not to know
for whom the war is over
It is not over
for you
About the Poem
This poem was written in response to the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.
About the Author
Bänoo Zan has over 200 published poems and three books, including Songs of Exile (2016) and Letters to My Father (2017.) She founded Shab-e She’r (Poetry Night), Toronto’s most diverse and brave poetry reading and open mic series, in 2012.
Twitter: @BanooZan
Well said!