sister-hood is an award-winning digital magazine spotlighting the diverse voices of women of Muslim heritage.
sister-hood is a digital magazine and a series of live events. We create platforms for women of Muslim heritage to speak for themselves, rather than being spoken for or spoken about. sister-hood challenges stereotypes and promotes the fearless, progressive, creative voices of women of Muslim heritage.
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She longs for silence
She shivers as more noise assails her, like blood splattering on a dirty wall.
Moans and the sharp hiss of bullets. A large tank shakes the fragile walls.
Did you know that the birds have stopped singing?
In fact, most birds are gone. Only giant black crows are left, announcing more shelling.
Someone saw a dove the other day. It may be just rumours.
Silence – she longs for silence.
Not the silence of the dead, which screams louder than an explosion.
Not the silence preceding battle, when fighters say their prayers.
No.
The silence of a flower opening.
The silence of a cloud crossing the sky.
Kenza Saadi
Kenza Saadi holds a BA from Cornell University and a PhD from Columbia University. Among other activities, she worked in the humanitarian field in war zones. She now lectures on ethics and publishes poetry.