The following piece is a poem by Hamed, who shares how his lived experiences have shaped who is today.

Where I’m From

By: Hamed

I was born in Afghanistan

Born to a kind mom and a sacrificing dad

I was taught kindness and love

I am not a fighter

But I am caring and unique

I am from a distant and different place

The smell of the grass

And kababs

I am from the toy pistols

Mixed with music and Tom and Jerry

I am from united and loud

I am from births and blasts

From scared but thankful

I am from dreams of success

I am from earnest and diligent

From flavorful fruits

And rowling rivers

From destroyed lives

But hopeful spirits

I am from the wars which shaped my country and my point of view.