My Dear Daughter

A Poem by Wadia Samadi

You are the biggest blessing.
The most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me.
You will always be the light that brightens my life.

This world is going to be tough.
Everyone’s eyes will be on you.
How you sit; how you talk;
What you wear; how you look.
Everything will be observed and judged.

Do not give in.
Do not let them weaken you.
Never doubt yourself.
Never question your abilities.
You are more than how this world will define you.

This world will rush you -
To marry by a certain age,
To be a mother by a certain age,
Even at the expense of your education & career.
Because in their eyes, these are not crucial for a girl.

You may never be good enough for them.
No matter how well you follow their standards.
There will always be something you’ll fall short of.

Live your life. Love yourself.
Dream. Pursue.
Make mistakes. Unlearn. Try again.
This world is also full of charms.
Seek what makes you happy.
Mommy will always be there.
Cheering for every little thing you achieve.
Gleaming with pride and saying:
“That’s my daughter.”

About the Author: Wadia Samadi works for a non-profit in Washington, D.C. She has a BA in Economics from the University of Richmond in Virginia. She is the Editor-in-Chief for Wadsam.com, Afghanistan’s first business news portal. Samadi is also a member of the Free Women Writers. She loves covering stories of Afghan women and occasionally freelances for international news agencies.