Syria: A Mother and the Shadow of War

Syria, a country located in the heart of the Middle East, was once a beacon of ancient civilization. Damascus, one of the oldest cities in the world, stood as a testament to Syria's rich history. The land of Syria, rich in natural resources, gave birth to countless cultures and civilizations. However, this once thriving land is now in ruins. More than a decade of civil war has reduced this country to rubble.

In a small village in Syria, stands Halima, a mother who has lost her child. In her thirties, she looks decades older. The surrounding landscape is a silent witness to destruction. Once a lively village where children played, families sat together, and weddings were celebrated with songs, today it is a wasteland marked by bullet holes and charred remains.

The war has robbed Halima of everything she held dear. Her only son, Amir, was the center of her happiness. But one night, amidst the deafening sound of bombs and thick smoke, Amir was lost. Like many others in the village, Halima thought Amir was gone forever.

One wall of their home still stands, adorned with small drawings made by Amir’s hand. Amir had always dreamt of becoming a pilot. The pictures of planes soaring through the sky, drawn by his little hands, are now mere memories for Halima.

One morning, Halima decided she could no longer sit idle in her home. She clutched her son's picture tightly and stepped out, unsure of where to go but feeling an inner pull guiding her.

At the edge of the village, an ancient olive tree stood, unshaken by the war. The olive tree, a symbol of hope and resilience, stood firm in the midst of devastation. Halima sat beneath the tree. The sound of children laughing in the distance reached her ears. Those sounds, so reminiscent of Amir’s laughter, made her heart ache.

Suddenly, a small girl approached her. Her hair was unkempt, and her clothes were ragged. The girl, no older than six or seven, looked at Halima with fear and exhaustion in her eyes and asked, “Amma, are you my mother?”

Halima was taken aback. She looked at the girl and saw traces of Amir in her face. She embraced the girl, who began to cry uncontrollably.

Halima gently spoke, “Whose child are you?”

The girl trembled as she spoke, “My parents are gone. I thought you might be my mother. I’m alone... so scared.”

Halima held the girl close, pressing her to her chest. “Yes, I am your mother. And you are my Amir,” she whispered, her voice filled with love and warmth. Wiping away the girl’s tears, she promised, “You will never be alone again. Come, let’s stay together.”

Under the olive tree, Halima realized that emptiness could only be filled with love. Though the war had taken Amir from her, it had returned to her this little girl.

Halima returned to her home with the girl in tow. She named her Noor, which means light. Holding Noor close, Halima felt that even in a world of destruction and grief, the light of love could shine through.

Just as the olive tree in Syria stands tall amidst devastation, so does the love of a mother, symbolizing the rebirth of life. War may take much from a person, but love gives the strength to endure.

Together, Halima and Noor began to rebuild their lives from the ashes, their story becoming a symbol of hope for the rebirth of Syria.

The End.

I am Saad, a poet, writer, and reader. My primary goal in writing is to touch readers' hearts through human emotions, social realities, and deep reflections. Through poetry, stories, and articles, I strive to shed light on various aspects of society.

My writings blend mystery and emotion, offering readers a fresh perspective.

If you love diving deep into thoughts, my works are for you. They will inspire you to think, feel, and question."