Don’t be born my child…

Don’t be born my child,

Know, with what

The face of the earth

Is waiting for you

No light would be spread,

No smile would be unfurled,

Listen for a time when you feel

The sound of explosion as music

Here would not be calm and quiet

Unrest would rule the roost

Remember, you will have to learn

The lessons of unexpectedness

Ensure you will not burn even in fire

Explosions could occur any time

You will have to do a tight ropewalk

Over the bridge of thread

Sun will not rise up,

Men will not wake up

First sight each morning

Would be of dead bodies

Stoves will not be lit up

Bellies will not be filled up

Still, the air will be engulfed

With black smoke, don’t suffocate

Man and man will not

Get along with each other,

Blood will flow like rivers,

Save yourself from drowning

No dolls or toys to play

You will have to put up

Your life amongst

The guns and bombs

You will not find any faces,

Expect only masks

Everybody will keep knives

Watch out for yourself

No tears or sympathies left

The beauty of the earth

Will become barren

Try not to be sad

No kindness in the hearts

Not a drop of water will be left

Even in the womb of the sea of love

Don’t be desperate

There is not a better place for you

Than the womb of your mother

You know my child,

You know…

Don’t be born my child,

Know, with what

The face of the earth

Is waiting for you.

By Ismail Meladi