stories from syria: ayesha

ayesha from aleppo, active and agile,
grew up in the outskirt village.
not allowed to go to school, she married young and mothered prolifically–
13 children to be exact, hamdullah.
safe and warm in her three story house,
content and surrounded by family, yani, each day both an adventure and routine.

ah the joy and blessing of routine!

friends in nearby cities gathered,
drinking tea and savoring gossip.
ayesha from aleppo enjoyed a full and happy life with the husband of her youth, masa’allah.

until the siege of aleppo–
a metaphor for complex alliances
and families torn asunder–
robbed her of home and husband and history.
she recounts her story as her hand unconsciously wipes an invisible tear;
she cries so much these days, wallah,
her eyes are ruined by grief.
thirteen children spread over three continents and six countries.

oh for one day when her family can be reunited!

oh for the reunion to be soon, inshallah!

sweet ayesha from aleppo:
aleikum salaam wa rahmat
allah wa barakatuh.
upon you be peace
and the mercy of God
and his blessing.
amen.