Group 1 – Second Prize
Someone Else’s Work
By Niveedhika Keethes
I will grow tomatoes, when you’ve set me free.
I will live at home in peace, where all will let me be.
I will wake up cheerful, in the morning to the sun.
I will feel at peace a last, once my freedom has won.
All I want is to feel safe –relaxed, calm and free.
I have been good, to fellow men, well, why aren’t the good to me?
I try to keep my head up high, imagining the day.
When I will be allowed to fly, when I will go away,
And wrap myself in someone’s arms, who knows me as I am.
I try to think about that day, as hard as try I can…
I will wake up smiling, in the morning sun.
I will kiss the one I truly love, once this battle’s done…
I will grow tomatoes in my garden in the grass,
And tie my hair behind my head, and when this storm has passed,
I will sit up late at night, with cats and cups of tea,
I will live no more in fright, once I have been set free.
I only want this misery, and fear and pain to end.
I only want a life at peace, surrounded by my friends.
But that will be another day, today I must remain
With in the madness of this place, in fear, hope and pain.
But always, I hold up my head, imagining the day
When I will be allowed to go, when I will fly away…
Not now. It isn’t over yet, I must sit out my time,
As I have done, for all these years, for someone else’s work.