Epitaph By Israt Momo

My little dear,
I’m here again, whispering your name,
Kneeling where you lie,
Wishing I couldn’t hear you crying.

This world, harsh and hungry,
Would have swallowed you whole.
I couldn’t watch you suffer,
Like your siblings who came before.

I held you bundled in my arms,
Your breath so soft, so short,
A tiny light I feared would dim,
Like all the dreams I lost.

Forgive me, my love,
If my hands were too rough
You know I was saving you,
From the claws of vultures.

I’ve seen too many hopes shatter,
Babies never taking their first breath,
Mothers left with empty arms,
Hearts falling into wombs left barren.

You were the light I longed for,
But also, the fear I couldn’t face.
Don’t be scared, my love
Angels are waiting in Jannah to play.

Now I sit here, year after year,
Talking to the dirt that hides you,
And pray you to understand
Why I couldn’t let you stay.

I barely noticed,
My fingers clutching your tombstone,
I sing “hush, my baby, hush-
you’re safe now.”