Afghan Civil Society Forum
 

ACSF

The goal of ACSF is to promote the development of civil society in Afghanistan.

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What is civil society?

Civil society refers to the space which lies between the state and private sectors and represent un-coerced collective action around common interests, purposes and values. Civil society comprises a diversity of spaces, actors and institutions varying in their degree of formality, autonomy and power. Civil society is valued for its civilian nature and its role in strengthening peace and stability.

 

ACSF believes in democratic principles, people's participation and is committed to:
  • Empowering the Afghan population
  • Embracing the diversity of civil society actors
  • Striving for inclusiveness in processes and actions
  • Emphasizing non-partisanship, transparency and accountability
  • Promoting a sense of voluntarism and social activism

You are here: Home> Poems> Lucky Men

  

 

 

 

Partaw Naderi

Lucky Men
 

When your star is unseen in this desolate sky,

your despair itself becomes a star.

My twin, the steadfast sun, and I

both grasp its far-flung brilliance.

 

* * * *

 

In a land where water is locked up

in the very depths of desiccated rocks,

the trees are ashamed of their wizened fruits.

 

The honest orchard is laid waste —

such a bloodied carpet

is spread before the future.

 

* * * *

 

Yesterday, leaning on my cane,

I returned from the trees’ cremation.

 

Today, I search the ashes

for my lost, homeless phoenix.

 

Perhaps it was you who shadowed me,

perhaps it was only my shadow.

 

Even though the lucky men in my land

lack stars in the heavens, lack shadows on the earth

 

they welcome any stars

that grace their devastated sky.

 

O, my friend, my only friend,

turn your anguish into constellations!

Peshawar, Pakistan
November, 2002

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