Childhood Quote by Zlata Filipović
““Suddenly, unexpectedly, someone is using the ugly powers of war, which horrify me, to try to pull and drag me away from the shores of peace, from the happiness of wonderful friendships, playing and love. I feel like a swimmer who was made to enter the cold war, against her will. I feel shocked, sad, unhappy and frightened and I wonder where they are forcing me to go, I wonder why they have taken away the peaceful and lovely shores of my childhood. I used to rejoice at each new day, because each was beautiful in its own way. I used to rejoice at the sun, at playing, at songs. In short, I enjoyed my childhood. I had no need of a better one. I have less and less strength to keep swimming in these cold waters. So take me back to the shores of my childhood, where I was warm, happy and content, like all the children whose childhood and the right to enjoy it are now being destroyed.””
About This Quote
Source Diary: Zlata’s Diary, 1992
She mourns the loss of childhood peace due to war, feeling forced into a hostile environment.
In simple terms: War destroys childhood innocence.
Key Takeaway
Seek peace and protect children.
Themes
war
loss of innocence
displacement
Mood
sorrowful
despairing
Type
reflective
historical
When to use this quote
- refugee experiences
- education disruption
- family separation
Key Concepts
human rights
psychological trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- What can societies do to protect children?
- How can you heal from trauma?
A Different Perspective
Recovery may need external support.
