Security (from The Immigrant Cycle)

by Kapka Kassabova

After the long day

My father locks the doors

The windows

The blinds on the windows

He locks out the voice of the wind

The question of yesterday

My mother turns off every light

In every room, in every cupboard

She turns off the TV

The red light of the heart flashing

The last star

In this forever foreign sky

And carefully they lie in bed

Listening to the sound

Of growing children

· Someone else's life by Kapka Kassabova is published by Bloodaxe. To order a copy for £7.95 call Guardian book service on 0870 066 7979.