R I B K A S I B H A T U
__________________________________________________________ABEBA
Translated by Charles Cantalupo & Ghirmai Negash
Abeba, my flower from Asmara…
Measured and subtle
As her makeup
And her finely drawn eyes –
She spoke like poetry.The food her family sent
To prison everyday
Arrived as usual
The day her grave was dug.
I heard her cry.Later that night
I also heard
The prison guard
Summon her out
And the shot.She lives in my dreams
And refuses to leave,
Knowing all my secrets
And never letting me rest.Before she died
She wove a basket
Inscribed “for my parents” –
Abeba, my flower from Asmara…
Who never blossomed.
My cell-mate.
[ page 1 of 1 ]