Not only do my parents talk to me everyday of ‘a different life’, but they also make me wish that I lived in that time and era.
When I was 7 years old, I made a project for school titled ‘Iraq’, it was probably the thing I was most proud of during my childhood. My sister helped me write it, in fact I remember she brought out a massive textbook which included details about Iraq’s weather, condition, wealth, geography and population. In one part of my project, I had written ‘The roads in Iraq used to be beautiful, but now they are destroyed because of the war.’
At the time, I didn’t really understand what the ‘war’ was or why Iraq’s condition had deteriorated so much. And to be honest, I still don’t. Was it bad luck? Had someone cursed the country that my parents had told me so many wonderful stories about? Or was it destined for Iraq from the beginning of time? Was it her fate to fall so hard, to crash into millions of tiny pieces? She was once an ethereal creature, glowing in the dark, shining so brightly with her jewels of raw materials and flickering vividly with the fire and oil she had burning inside of her.
But now, she is withered, and dark, and full of so much destruction that one can’t even fathom how she became to be like this.
Perhaps we could argue that the country fell because of the actions of the people themselves and that we -humankind- are the ultimate cause for its downfall, because if it wasn’t for the selfish actions of a small minority of people, Iraq would not be in the poor state it is in today.
People say that my country was once one of the richest countries in the world. With it’s powerful army and strong government, it ruled in the Middle East. The language of Arabic made the tongues of the people living there seem so full of wisdom and grace. But now, the people speak a harsh language, they curse and mock others, they have become bitter, with a tongue that whips and snaps just because of their broken heart.
My mother tells me of a different life, where education was so strong that Iraq’s schools and Universities were considered to be one of the best in the world.
My father tells me of a different life, where there was an organised system in Iraq, where people knew what they were doing, where there was no chaos lingering in the very core of Iraq.
My uncle tells me of a different life, where religion was strong and blissful, and the people believed their lives were blessed.
My family tell me of a life where there was peaceย in my country, where people dying everyday was not something common at all.
I’m not saying that my country was ever perfect or completely beautiful as it had its flaws as all things do, but it was a happier place, where love and hope and joy still existed.
I don’t know what it’s like to belong to a country that is powerful and strong as I was not born in that era. But I’m lucky enough to have heard the insightful stories of how it used to be.
I wait for the day that I can hear the words ‘Peace in Iraq has been restored’.
I wait for the day where I will no longer hear the phrase ‘a different life’ but instead ‘our life has returned.’
Omg habibti this is so good. The way you wrote it with those techniques are great!!! ??
Thanks for your feedback!
This is so nicely written ! Would love to read more of your work. When are you next posting?
Thank you! Hopefully I’ll be posting every two weeks or so, glad to know you enjoyed reading it.
This got me in mixed emotions wallahi ? soo good hun keep it up xx
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed reading it.
Ooo Hajer, I acc really liked this! Keep writing??
Thank you!
Love it! Keep posting, excited to read your next post!
Thanks for the support!
Poooost more asap!!! โค
I’m glad you liked it!
Beautiful writing hajar…looking forward to the next installment xx
Thanks for the feedback!
Not too bad, would like it to definitely be longer next time!
Thanks! I’ll try to make it longer next time ๐
“iraq” will be “Iraq” again if you young guys keep it inside your heart and seriously think to return and build it again once it is peaceful there. I truly liked your strong emotions toward Iraq, it made me happy.
Keep the true feelings ๐
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed reading it! And yes, that’s very true, hopefully one day we’ll make it as beautiful as it used to be.
This is very nice. What your parents were saying was true. I hope one day we will visit Iraq together and have a wonderful time ๐
ุจูุงุฏู ูุฅู ุฌุงุฑุช ุนูู ุนุฒูุฒุฉ
.. ูุฃููู ูุฅู ุถููุง ุนูู ูุฑุงู
Thank you very much, and yes hopefully that will happen one day! Very lovely quote ๐
You echoed my feelings when I was ten, all those years ago. The war between Iraq and Iran left us stuck here unable to return.
Looking forward to more wonderful posts.
Uncle Zaid
Wow, thank you very much! Hopefully we’ll be able to go to a safe and beautiful Iraq one day ๐
hajer this was beautifully written and it’s so completely true xx can’t wait for the next post
Thank you so much, glad you liked it! ๐
Well written Hajer.
Resembled a lot of feelings and great memories. Best of luck dear
PS: ignore Ahmed’s comments , I found it reasonable and not long. Just the right length:)
Thank you very much, and thanks for your reassurance ๐
Very well written Hajer great job! I really like your work and I’ll be looking forward to reading more! This was so true & you did a tremendous job keep it up !!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed reading it! ๐
Hajoor habibty…heard the same stories by my parents too…hope the picture of a better life in Iraq would’nt just become a flashback. Well, as I’m currently living there, I feel people here are trying to cope with all of it and they really love life, and if you do there is hope fortunately. Btw love your style well done ?
Thank you for your kind insight into how Iraq is now, and yes hopefully one day it will be restored to its former beauty ๐
You did an amazing job, can’t wait to read more of your work. So proud of you! We need more people like you in this cold world!!! <3 <3 <3
Thank you very much, and wow! I really appreciate your kindness, I’m glad you enjoyed reading it ๐