Can you hear us cry Mother Lanka?

Can you hear me Mother Lanka?
I am your child-
Living in the conflict torn zone-
Of your womb.
Not enough blood supply-
Comes this way-
I am with my family-
Bags packed to flee-
At any moment-
To a safer area-
Maybe a refugee camp-
Another makeshift home-
Of Amma's sarees-
Making a screen for privacy-
I have not been near a school-
For many months-
Or maybe years?
I cannot count-
I am not asking-
For much space-
Just a place to have a roof-
Spread a mat-
And have a good night's sleep.
I fear unlawful recruitment-
By unlawful bandits-
I have brothers and sisters-
Living on your golden beaches-
Being sold to foreigners-
As sex slaves-
Now I am speaking-
For all your children
Please Mother Lanka-
Can you hear us cry?

By Punyakante Wijenaike, Colombo 7