Sudan your name conjures broad sun flecked plains
And when I was a little girl
Khartoum was a sunny place
Was all I knew
So one sun flossed day
I daydreamed of riding a bike in sunny Khartoum.
I was a tom boy a little rebel stealing rides on mopeds and
Even pushing for a drive on daddy’s car those days.
My fearless courage - would it have been?
Sudan
If I had been born
Daughter in your lap?
Would you have incarcerated my spirit
Though perhaps you would spare my body
shackles?
I cannot bear the thought of a bird in a cage
Would you have forced me to see my child on leash?
A daughter born to a mother in manacles...
Sudan I am suddenly afraid
I am afraid I knew nothing at all about you
Are you motherland or land born of a long line of lusty fathers ?
And would you tomorrow shew allegience to kindness and mercy and care received
At matriarch's breast
Or bow to fly by night renegade patriarchy?
I know religion is the only color of your sky now
I know rain clouds of pity have been sterilized now
I know womanhood is a restricted concept
Khartoum sunny Khartoum
I feel torrid heat spiraling up in turgid vehemence
Like turbulent dust storms of frenzied praying
Amidst angels
With hacked off wings...
She seeks relief
In faithful disbelief
stunned and reeling
Sudan
If she isn't your own
Let her leave in love
Innocence straying
Where heart may lead
Is no crime.
Why aren't you feeling?
All rights reserved
(c) Amrita Valan 2014
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