Listening to Oprah this morning, Zainab Salbi wrote this very powerful poem. Her book is mentioned as well, which talks about her life and this poem is part of her book. She talks about how women in war zones get through their life.
Illustrating the fortitude of these women, Salbi has penned down a powerful poem that is a part of her book, “If You Knew Me You Would Care.” The poem reads:
What if I’m not sadness?
What if I’m not grief?
What if I’m not my victim’s story,
Nor am I my pain?
What if they are all part of me,
But not fully me?
What if I am just me?
What if I’m joy without reason,
Happiness in all seasons?
What if I am love for all?
What if I laugh for no reason and all reasons?
What if they are all part of me?
What if I don’t hate my enemy?
What if I forgive?
What if I see without judgment,
Love without reasons?
What if I give and receive without worry?
What if I can be all, and still be me?
What if this is it?
What if this is perfect?
What if I don’t doubt?
What if I just believe?
How would life be if I let it be?
How would I be if I accept fully me?
What will I be if today I am free?
What if this is the new story?
Salbi has collaborated with renowned photographer, Rennio Maifredi for her book, “If You Knew Me You Would Care.” In this video from SuperSoul Sunday, Salbi is reading aloud the poem, against the backdrop of Maifredi’s high-voltage portraits.
As each of you read this poem for yourselves, allow the truth of Salbi’s story to resonate with the truths of each of your stories.
