By Ila Upadhyaya
I dreamt of a beautiful world when in my mother’s womb,
Little I knew, few years for me to live-and I’d end up in a tomb.
With love she nurtured me, thought of a name and what I’ll do,
I didn’t imagine I’d be smeared in blood and wounds.
Dad had plans to raise me like a prince,
We’d go places and enjoy-he had planned since.
My existence in her womb made her proud,
Now she sees me bleeding and cries aloud.
Mumma, hold my hand and don’t let me go,
You said you loved me and wanted to see me grow.
My first kick was a moment to rejoice,
Now you can’t even hear my voice.
I wanted to live and see the world,
Hardly I knew I’d be shot and hurled.
With friends, all I wanted was to play,
My heart was delighted, and it swayed.
Everyone is now leaving me alone,
I’m looking for someone to save me and call my own.
My sister and brother left me and went to heaven,
Left all of us to bear this painful burden.
What was my fault-you tell me, Mom?
All I dreamt was a world of peace and calm.
I was told the whole world is a family,
I was sent on this planet to live happily.
I wanted to see the flowers bloom,
All I now see are faces-so weary and gloomed.
The air I breathe is smoky and sad,
I craved for love… to simply be glad.
I’m your baby-your heart and soul,
Mumma, safely in your lap I want to roll.
I wished to grow and be your strength,
But here I lay in blood… at length.
I don’t know about roads and boundaries,
Let’s live with love-I plead on my knees.
I look above-you once said God resides there,
Call Him now… Can’t He see His little ones bleeding here?