My Dark Accounts

When I came here

there was only one sound

my cry and mother’s loving words

ununderstood yet comforting.

 

When I grew up and spoke to the

flowers in our garden

they never replied, merely

showed off their beauty

 swaying in the air.

When I sang the prayers

 in the temple

the deaf God became dumb.

 

I dwelled with students

spoke on everything

but on returning home

I was dumb my ears

burst out at the gibberish

of everyone around.

 

When I joined the clubs

everyone spoke at the sea shore

cried hoarse appealing-

you speak so loud

don’t you have loving words.

 

Now I know what to speak

and what not to

I speak what I do not mean

because if I mean

people turn deaf.

Sabita ahu