The Stolen Van

As a writer, I see writing as one of the most powerful forms of expression. I consider it the third healing power which comes after prayers and music. I usually pull my readers out of the harsh reality for a few minutes and invite them to join a world of dreams and fantasies of my own. Sharing feelings through words has never been an easy task for a reserved person like me. It took years for me to have the courage to uncover whatever is happening inside my head to the outside world.

In the past few years, I have lost three of my loved ones. My mom had left this world without giving me the privilege of saying even goodbye. My Brother died shortly when he was in his forties leaving three children to face their destiny on their own. And a couple of years later, my dad decided to leave our world and joined my mom's and brother's company in heaven.

During these years, while trying to pick myself up, I couldn't offer the world even a smile. I have made wrong choices from time to time though they were not terrible. Thus, I was misunderstood, misjudged, and rejected by many people in my social circle. No one was interested in sighting a frowned face. And after all that, Covid 19 and the political unrest came up to be added to the list of struggles. It is worrying to see how unsafe the world has become. Regardless of all this and that, I have so many blessings God has granted me, enabled me to overcome all my struggles and start a new chapter of life but in a more positive attitude.

However, in real life, we are governed by endless rules and barriers that are stopping us from reaching what we want and pursuing our dreams. I cannot deny that I am a rule follower. Nonetheless, I do my best to align my wants and dreams to the values and morals that run in my veins since birth. Add to all of that, the social norms that are required by the hosting culture. Honestly, I can't stand rejection and misjudgment whenever I accidentally break any of these rules or norms though. Violating any of these values, morals, or norms leads me to dive into an ocean of guilt and shame. However, I believe that some of these rules and barriers suck! Thus, I intentionally ignored many rules of poetry while writing this poem. At least I became a rebel in one thing that I love to do which is writing. The poem is showcasing several themes from what I explained above at once. I named it "The Stolen Van". In dreams, a stolen van represents worry and fear in the real world in which we all are experiencing nowadays. The goal is not of course giving my readers a sense of negativity, yet free some space on my mind and fill it out with something that is more productive than negative feelings.

The Stolen Van

Hey Dreamy Girl, you are soft and kind….Having hopes and dreams…..Dreaming of a world of your own. But ..

Your softness was rejected

Your presence was hated

Your dreams were unwanted

Your heart bled and shattered

Your soul had been slaughtered

With fear and worry, have nowhere to go

Your amputated wings will need to regrow

Became alone and lonely, unhappy you so

Your feet were chained, hands were tied

Nobody cared whenever you cried

Though deep wounds caused you a trauma

You were still called the queen of drama

Your eyes are up to the sky

Just need to rise up so high

Wanna escape..wanna fly

Set yourself free without why

Where no rules, no fools or barriers

Loved ones are looking at you above

They need your softness and crave your love

In the dark tunnel, you’re their light

Wake up girl and do whatever is right

Stay grounded, be present, be wise

Cherish your loved ones, hold them tight

Hand in hand and together you’ll rise

Chaotic world brushed with hatred

Millions of lives are endangered

We need to be safe and healthy

Deserve to live free out of bigotry

Having endless dreams in your head

Keeping you awake every night in bed

Dreaming of a world as a better place

Where love over hatred must replace

All living in peace while sharing space

We all are equal regardless of our race

Thanks for Reading!

Tahany A.