‘Lord,in my first life,

I was scavenging for morsels of food,

Slept on the pavement, ate on the pavement

And saw my children growing by the roadside.

From this life, I learned humility.

 

In my second life, I was born as Mahar.

I had to tie a broom to my waist

To sweep away my polluting footprints,

Spit in a pot hung to my neck

So as not to pollute the soil.

I learned the meaning of forbearance.

 

In a third life, I was born differently-able,

Led a life of missed opportunities

And spent sleepless nights

With tears on my soft pillow.

I must be a burden to society

Though my mother diligently

Camouflaged my fears.

However,endurance is the greatest lesson

I learned from this precious life.

 

The fourth one was so terrible,

I was born black in the U.S.A

And suffered the crooked and knotted

Guillotine that racism is,

Though from outside everything seems fair.

I learned from this life that patience

Is the greatest eye-opener.

 

Now Lord, what next?

Give me some good stuffs in the next life.’

The Lord looked at him,

Strolled His fingers on his hair and said,

‘Son, each life teaches us something.

The fool forgets,

Only the wise remembers.

In the next life, you will be a bright star

And the world will take notice.

Mind fallow, senses well under control,

Intentions pure,

heart filled with love,

You will be born as a leader

To lead the whole world

In the clear path of righteousness.

 

Soon, the universe will revolve

In the revese direction,

The land will turn around,

As does a potter’s wheel.

New valleys will be formed,

Mountain ridges will tear apart,

New gulfs cut out,

Ancient heights overturned

And new ones will spring up.

Many animals will be destroyed

And the small part of human race

That will survive will be enveloped in darkness.

To darkness, you will bring light.

Go my son.

 

Pramila Khadun