“The Little Girl”
The Little Girl is a poem by Turkish poet Nâzım Hikmet, written in memory of Sadako Sasaki.
When the atomic bomb fell on Hiroshima in August 1945, Sadako was just one year old, living barely a mile from the heart of the blast. She survived the explosion, yet the invisible touch of radiation remained within her.
A decade later, in 1955, illness struck: leukaemia — then often called “atomic bomb disease” because it claimed so many children and other survivors of that silent poison.
In Japanese tradition, the crane is sacred, believed to live for a thousand years. An old legend whispers that whoever folds one thousand origami cranes — senbazuru — will see their wish fulfilled, whether for health, long life or happiness.
Lying in her hospital bed, Sadako began folding. With each crane she hoped not only for her own healing, but also for peace in the world, so that no child, anywhere, would suffer as she did. She entrusted her voice to the fragile birds of paper:
“I will write peace on your wings, and you will fly all over the world.”
Sadako’s hands shaped 644 cranes before her strength faded and she died at the age of twelve. Her friends and classmates folded the rest, carrying her dream to one thousand. From that moment her story soared far beyond Hiroshima, borne on the wings of paper cranes, across Japan and into the heart of the world.
In the poem Sadako’s age was given as seven, to fit the rhythm of the verse. In truth she was twelve when she died.
Nâzım Hikmet is one of the most celebrated poets in Türkiye. He had a rare gift for expressing the emotional depths of the human condition. Because of his political views he went into exile and spent the rest of his life abroad, longing for his homeland. He wished to be buried there, but his last wish was never granted; his grave is in Moscow.
This Month – September 2025
This month has been full of festivals. I began at the Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival in West Cork, enjoying being part of the story-lover audience and telling a tale at the Story Swab. Then I performed at the Dublin Fringe Festival, followed by the Drumlin Storytelling Festival in Co. Monaghan. You can see some beautiful visual reflections from these festivals on my Instagram
A highlight was when our performance Hungry Grass / Stray Sod was nominated at the Dublin Fringe Awards for the First Fortnight category. We didn’t take home a prize, but felt deeply grateful to be nominated and celebrated among such inspiring company at the ceremony.
Another special moment was the one captured in the video below. Here is how that magical moment emerged.
Colum Sands — an Irish singer and songwriter — was one of the performers at the Drumlin Festival. Among his repertoire was a song inspired by The Little Girl. He suggested we improvise, merging English and Turkish verses: he would sing, and I would recite the Turkish lines in between. We planned to perform it at a festival event but time ran short. Later that night our lovely hosts invited us into the living room of the gorgeous Bessmount House. After tasty nibbles, wine and good company, the evening ended with Colum singing and me accompanying.
The poem still makes me tearful, especially when I think of the children in Gaza. The final line has become my daily mantra: “Let no more children die, let them eat sweets instead.”
Watch the video: The Little Girl
🎶 What I am listening to
At the Drumlin Storytelling Festival, Colum Sands sang many wonderful songs but this one still lingers: Going Down to the Well with Maggie. Maggie was Colum’s aunt — and I wish every child could spend more time with wise aunties like her. Listen on Spotify
📚 What I am reading
Sally Pomme Clayton has a unique gift for retelling ancient myths free from the biases of our social norms. Sadly many myth retellings are heavy with prejudice towards women, the land and animals. Clayton brings mythic reality to us through a fresh and unbiased lens. I’ve recommended her goddess myths book before; last week I read her Greek Myths. Highly recommended. Check out here
🌈 What inspired me
The Makers of Dreams
At the Cape Clear Festival, Scottish storyteller Ailsa Dixon told enchanting stories from the Orkney Islands. One still inspires me: The Makers of Dreams. You can savour another retelling of it by Scottish storyteller Daniel Allison: Listen here
Global Sumud Flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is the largest civilian maritime mission attempting to reach Gaza by sea. Their journey began in early September.
Israeli forces have banned that route for decades despite international law and have attacked GSF fleets with drones and chemical weapons. The mission is dangerous but vital in these times when we watch a genocide on our screens.
Seeing people risk their lives to bring hope and aid to Gaza keeps my hopes for humanity alive. Their journey continues — you can track it here. All eyes on deck!
Upcoming Sessions
Workshop for Turkish Speakers in Amsterdam
On 4 October 2025, I will be facilitating a four-hour introductory storytelling workshop for Turkish speakers in Amsterdam. Check out the details here
New Harvest Night at Mezrab
I have been working on the stories of my ancestors for some time — you can read about my process here: Connecting with Ancestors
I am both nervous and excited: this will be my first public sharing of my ancestral roots at New Harvest Night, which takes place at Mezrab, Amsterdam, on 5 October 2025. The show is called Entangled Roots.
Entangled Roots tells true stories of flight, resilience and legacy — two ancestors escaping the Balkans, whose struggles and hopes still echo today. If you’re in Amsterdam, you can get your tickets here
Stories Cure – October Session
“‘What does your Stories Cure Course offer?’ people ask. My answer: Less thinking, more wonder.
Each month we focus on a different part of the body, observing it with awe and linking it to a metaphor from traditional stories.
In October, we turn to the spine — the Sky-bound Tree — and explore the fiery marrow of life flowing upwards through it. 🌿🔥
Join us and reconnect with your body in wonder: senemdonatanmohan.com/course/the-sky-bound-tree/
✨ That’s all from me this month. Thank you for reading, listening, and sharing this journey.
With love,
Senem
