Creative Writing

Syrian refugee women working with our social enterprise in Beirut met together with photographer Aline Deschamps, to find personal expression through creative writing. Here are two of their compositions, combined with Aline’s stunning imagery.

A letter to my absent husband, by Fadwa

I will tell you what happened these three years since you left us to another world

You were the first person to help me bear the hardships we went through

You were there for me when I lost my two sons

Death took them when they were young

And when my home turned into ruins

All my children have left to find a better life somewhere else

You told me then that I had to be strong

To scuffle with life and beat it

You told me that one day you would leave me 

And I would have to stand alone

You told me, “Keep living and be happy.” So that is what I do. 

I found work; I found myself

I found friends whom I love and they love me back

They call me “the lady of the house”

I am the Damascene, by Rafah

I am the Damascene 

Dissect my body and grapes and apples tumble out

I am the Damascene who sent a dove home 

To look for my father 

Seven years back he vanished

I sent the dove to look for him 

I left Syria in sadness

My home had become rubble

I entrusted my father to God

 

I left behind everything but memories

I brought with me loneliness 

And my dove has not yet returned