Speak Poem by Famida Basheer

Speak says the eagle
and the screeches in the caverns
shatter the rocks.

Blow say the branches
and the breezes turn into winds
and the streets and parks are littered
with the early ravages of springs promises.

Shed says the sky
and the clouds puff up and darken
They light up the world
and belch down in thunderous deluge
and the rivers rage!


Push says the helpmate
and the push is strong and a human is born
startling the quiet in shattering birth cry.

Silence! I cry, Silence!
I cover my ears and scream and scream Silence!

and no one listens.