a poem adapted around the report, from the book, "murmurs," by Nancy Tinnell
salat-al-janazah prayers of the mourners
The Taliban has executed a pregnant widow
I am Sanam Gul
accused of adultery in western Afghanistan
iddah, emptiness, then the merciful gift
The 47-year-old woman, Sanam Gul
new love
also known as Sanam Bibi
spirit refreshed and restored
was killed in Badghis province
with a beauty like spring flowers
Saturday morning
patchworked on the northern hills
said Ashrafuddin Majidi the provincial governor's spokesman.
hope and new life carried within me
The district governor of Qades, Hashim Habibi
whispers, shouts and threats, "Adulteress!"
confirmed the execution.
the whip striped my flesh
He said the woman was accused of adultery that left her pregnant.
but you did not hear my screams
The Taliban shadow district governor, Mullah Abdul Hakim
filled with terror, I waited for death
and his judge ordered the woman to be executed, he said.
and thought of my unborn child
Mohammad Yousuf, a Taliban commander, carried out the execution
and the hope that would wither in the women who follow
shooting the woman in her head, Habibi said.