Five Poems by Abu Siddik A Mother’s Monologue Yesterday, I gave birth to a girl, Faces around me were blackened, For they pinned hope on a son During my swelling days, Parents, in-laws, close friends, Even my maids were sure of a son’s coming Neighbours looked at my bulging belly. And they were happy for I was going to be A proud mother within a week Nothing that sort followed, A girl was born, And all fell silent The room was the same But it has lost its warmth, Th