Wings of Knowledge, A Poem by Anila Bukhari
I am a girl, don’t cut my wings
Let me quell my thirst through knowledge
So that I can fly on the far horizon.
The stigma of being an orphan made me suffer.
Though I am barefooted
But I have a pen in my hand.
How the touch of toys could drew me
When I wanted books.
There is no comfort in toys
That lie in reading books with red roses in them,
Don’t rob me of my right to read and write books.
I’ll bathe your dogs,
I’ll shine your shoes,
But don’t snatch my bag from me
Don’t drag me into the pits of life.
I don’t question pizza and pastry
My lips are open in front of you
To get a bag full of books.
Don’t cut me off,
Don’t block my way.
I can fly through education,
Don’t break my heart,
Don’t take away from me the right
That the Lord gave me.
The truth is that
It is education that gives
Humans the meaning of life.
Bio of the Poet: Anila Bukhari: Voice of the Voiceless
Renowned Pakistani author, educationist, and unwavering champion of girls’ education, Anila Bukhari, shines brightly as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities worldwide.
Early Life and Adversity
Born in rural Pakistan, Anila’s remarkable journey began amidst adversity. Without the luxury of internet access, she relied on traditional snail mail to share her manuscripts with distant publishers. Candlelight illuminated her path during frequent power outages, fueling her unwavering passion for words. At just 14, Anila began writing, and now, in her 20s, boasts an impressive literary portfolio.
Literary Achievements
Anila authored 11 inspiring books, encouraging women and paying heartfelt tribute to unsung heroes. Her works are proudly available in:
– The esteemed Library of Congress
– 74 countries worldwide, transcending geographical boundaries
– Florida’s prestigious art gallery, USA (a groundbreaking achievement as the first Pakistani poet)
– Philippines exhibition, showcasing her global impact
– Canada exhibition, further solidifying her international presence
Awards and Recognition
Anila’s dedication has earned her:
– Pakistan’s first recipient, International Excellence Community Service Gold Award (UK), a testament to her selfless work
– 1st prize in Italy’s poetry competition (2024) among 41 countries, demonstrating her literary prowess
– Recognition from the Duchess of York, acknowledging her tireless efforts
– Global Impact Award finalist (Supreme Court UK Barrister-led Foundation), underscoring her significant influence
Community Service
Anila empowers girls and women through:
– Free online poetry sessions for refugee, orphan, and widow women via Zoom, bridging gaps and fostering connection
– Founder, “Girls Shine” campaign, illuminating 50 countries with hope and inspiration
– Utilizing poetry as a powerful tool for social change
– Crafting syllabus poems for 7th-grade English students, nurturing young minds
– Selfless storytelling, amplifying women’s voices and promoting equality
Social Impact
Through her writing, Anila sheds light on pressing issues:
– Girls’ education, advocating for accessible learning
– Women’s empowerment, championing equality and justice
– Domestic violence, breaking the silence and promoting healing
– Child marriage (reaching 1 million people across 50 countries), tackling a critical global concern
Notable Works
– “Daughters Not a Curse”
– “Moonlit Mavens”
– “The Change Maker”
– “Women Who Lead”
– “Breaking Barriers”
– “Dream of a Girl”
Anila Bukhari’s remarkable story embodies resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of words.