"Nostalgia"

It’s a strange feeling, living in two contrasting worlds. Mainstream media had me believing my country was backward, its inhabitants barbaric and its lives—worthless. That narrative was countered by my people, my fellow countrymen, my family. 

They told me of days so beautiful, so kind. They told me of how green the lakes in Kunar were and how full of coloured kites the skies got in the summer. They told me of the hearts full of care and loyalty unrivalled. They told me of their home-grown pomegranates and fragrant red roses.

So why then, I wondered, are we letting them speak on our behalf? Why are we giving others free reign in colouring us in shades of dark? What happened to the voices of my people, who share with passion and soul?

We may have not been able to complete our own painting and narrative before, but we’re back to reclaim what’s rightfully ours—our voice. And with this voice we’ll take control.

This is our land, and we decide which colours to paint it in.