Soiled

By Silpi Sikha Das

Mother, I want to go home.

My frock is all soiled.

These stains would be tougher.

You would scold me harder.

Do it, mother, give me a slap or two.

I would never ever go back

To that playground again,

I promise but rescue me tonight.

The playground has monsters!

Did you know, mother?

They tried to pull my frock,

I tried to run.

I was brave, mother.

Please be proud.

I tried to scream

But I could not.

My mouth was stuffed.

So I prayed to God

In my mind and heart.

You said, mother,

You said God always hears,

Voices of the soul.

But He didn't seem to listen

Tonight...

It hurts, it hurts so much!

Mother, take me home, please!

And beat me hard!

For I wasn't brave enough

To save myself tonight.

The playground has monsters.

Trust me, mother and tell everyone.

Donot let my friends play there.

I want to go home.

Give me an earful.

My frock is awfully soiled,

It is all brown and red

And is not on me anymore...

I am bleeding,

From my waist down.

Watching the rain undo

The stains off my frock,

Lying soiled beside me,

Like my tender corpse,

We are both perished,

My soiled frock and I.

Come now, take me home.

There's still time,

Give me an earful,

A slap or two.

The playground has monsters!

Mother, take me home to you.

By Silpi Sikha Das