The Quilt of Clay

(Dedicated to my parents) 

Believe me, Earth

I have come here only to love you.

Sit down on the cooling mate of confidence. 

I fan you slowly for calm down.

Broken nose by the kick has the power of moving air.

Great soul beat is in the ribs.

Piercing thorn on legs can walk shedding blood.

Although  eyes acts blindly has a little eyesight.

There is no distaste in outspoken tongue. 

Earth, how much reassurance of competency

you need to love you!

Believe me earth, I have come here to love you only.

Illiterate wood craftsman who is irresistible lover from whom has taken the first lesson of love.

His beloved has taken knit stitch artistic flower of love with her generous skillful hands.

Earth, believe me or not

In my life lessons, have learned to love you.

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Aklima Ankhi, poet, storyteller and translator from Cox’sbazar, Bangladesh. Born in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. She has a published collection of poetry named “Guptokothar Shobdochabi” written in Bangla. She is a postgraduate in English Literature. As a profession, she is a Lecturer in English.