MAZAR-E-SHARIF (SW) – In a heartfelt celebration, the poetry collection “Withered Cedars” has been unveiled in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh province, despite the absence of its author, Hejran Yosufi.
The young poet, who has woven poetry into the fabric of her life, expressed that for her, “a life without poetry is unimaginable.” She likes her passion for poetry to a deep fondness for favorite foods or colors—integral to her existence.
Hejran Yosufi, originally from Balkh, began writing poetry during her teenage years while she was in the tenth grade. Her early works were published in various newspapers and magazines. Themes of patriotism, familial love, romance, and lament permeate her poetry. However, she cites a lack of financial support and a decline in reading culture among youth as reasons for her delay in publishing her work until now.
The collection “Withered Cedars” comprises over 50 poems in ghazal and ‘Dobayti’ forms, spanning 56 pages with an initial print run of 1,000 copies. Yosufi shared that her debut work was published with financial assistance from her aunt’s children and faced delays due to several challenges.
“My aim in publishing this work was to share the feelings and struggles within my heart, so that everyone can understand the themes I’ve explored,” Yosufi remarked.
While she expressed joy at achieving her long-held dream of publishing a book, she was visibly upset about not being able to attend the launch due to restrictions on women’s participation in public events: “I was told that only my father or brother could attend, and I could not,” she lamented. “I should have been there to receive feedback on my work; the author must be present to understand critiques and improve.”
Prior to this collection, three of her poems were published in a book titled “Stars of Knowledge,” featuring works from outstanding students of Fatemeh Balkhi School.
Poetry has become an inseparable part of Yosufi’s life; even during work hours, she finds herself composing verses. “Writing poetry is like a hunger that draws me in; when inspiration strikes, my thoughts scatter, and even in the classroom, I sometimes ask my students to hold on while I jot down an idea.”
Yosufi believes that the lack of a reading culture among youth, inadequate support programs, poor economic conditions, and lack of financial backing are significant obstacles for poets in her country. While she is a member of the Afghan Pen Club and the Balkh Writers’ Association, she expressed frustration at being unable to attend their meetings.
“My hope is that all the girls who are currently writing poetry and pursuing their literary dreams will have ample opportunities for their voices to be heard and critiqued by mentors, enhancing the quality of their work. I also wish for schools to reopen so that all girls with dreams can realize them.”
Yosufi appealed to the de-facto government for support programs that would enhance the quality of writers’ work and allow women to participate in writing associations, emphasizing the need for greater opportunities for female authors.
