Sleep My Sweet Laxmi

Dr. Rabiul Hossain, Dhaka
Mom why are you so late?
I feel bored locked inside

Mom why do you look sick?
You know I had a dream.

Mom, do you know
Next door Uncle bought a color TV
And a fluffy teddy bear for Rekhu Apu
And a bicycle for Rony Bhai.

Mon, who is Mr. Sarkar?
He knocked at the door
And said he would come again
And left this letter.

Mom, who gave you the flowers?
And the beautiful sari
And the perfume
And the bracelet?

Mom, my teacher was angry
My nails were not pared
My socks were dirty
My hair was not brushed.

Sleep well my sweetie…

The church bell's struck twelve
The Burgis and the Razakars out there
Sleep, sleep my sweet Laxmi.