Eleventh letter

Dear Khodayar, I listen to your words and hear about the hardships in your life. I know about some of the troubles you have seen, both before and after you crossed the water to come here. You were so young when you died but had already been through several lifetimes’ worth of pain. I am sorry this happened to you – that we did this to you. Both the Australians and the Taliban did this to you. We killed your family and friends and then we killed you.

We did not show you mercy. We did not show you love. Instead we showed that we fear you and despise you. We could not look you in th face, so we lock you away because of the colour of your skin. We drop you in the ocean and let the waters close over your head, as if you had never been born.

But it was flames that closed over your head. You crossed the water safely but it was flames that closed over your head. The fire extinguished your life and left the whole world to mourn. Our memory hostage to time. Love Stephen