A Merciless Winter

Farida Shamim

How cruel you are, Winter —

couldn’t you wait a little longer?

Why didn’t you wait

until the children fell asleep,

their dreams unbroken,

their bellies not empty?

My little ones lie down hungry,

and now —

how could I cover them,

how could I protect them

from your harsh, merciless air?

Can’t you see —

we can no longer see tomorrow

we can’t even weep.

Our tears have turned to salt,

our hearts to smoke.

Can’t you feel

the pain we endure?

Couldn’t you wait

until the sun of faith rose again

to touch the faces

that still believe in warmth?

How cruel you are, Winter —

to come when we are already cold.