My Land

I grew up in this land

with my folks

who gave me a shelter

with no windows

when I feel insecure

I have to wear

an honor-proof vest

which cannot shield me

from bullets they put

into my chest

In this land

I have to be a genie

they throw their evil seeds

into me

and expect love to grow.

Here, in this land

my folks tell me

that I misunderstand

the language I learnt

from my past

so I have to learn

the hard away

that

my “heart” is like a “feather”

if I don’t hold it tight

I might lose it forever.

Sarwa A  January 2016