Alms-giving

I drove my Mercedes-Benz car  Through the grimy street, That reverberated with the jingling bowls, And I selected her, the poorest of the poor, A shriveled form, a live corpse,   And I gave her ten rupees as alms,   And entreated God to bless me in...

Sakina’s Tears

Sakina sees through her tears, Sweat trickling down her mother’s temples, As she puts meat on hissing grill, Sakina sees through her tears, Her mother’s submissive slumber Being torched under the dishes, Cooked overnight in large vessels, Sakina sees through her...

Job, Unrecognized

Body darkened, drenched and marred,  Under the scorching sun and torrential rain, But all pains and groans ploughed and silenced Under the responsibility’s colossal wheel, That keeps rolling whether the time scowls or smiles, And fulfills the fields with crops...

My Freedom

My freedom breathes in my choice, Whether to wear headscarf  Or keep my hair open, My freedom breathes in my choice, Whether to cover me up Or see me in miniskirt,    My freedom breathes in my choice, Whether to celebrate motherhood  Or fight in...

Her Own House

Father says, “As long as I am alive,  You are secure in my house.” Husband says, “If you cannot adjust,  You are free to leave my house.” Son says,  “What more do you want?   I have given you a lovely room in my house.” But she has also her...