Ode to Victims

My friend Saima, who is from Pakistan, wrote this poem after the earthquakes. I think it best encapsulates many of the feelings those of us who hail from that region and share the same religion feel.

ODE TO THE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
A deadly silence,
Befell my nation;
Before shrieking wails
Pierced the air.
The earth had spoken,
Unleashed its fury;
Heaving and rocking relentlessly.
The smog from debris,
Blinded the eye.
An abyss appeared,
My people united.
Spiritually charged;
Mouths parched,
Fasting but unwavering;
In their willingness to help.
Those who were trapped;
Deliberating death.
Tough choices to make
To be gulped by the ground
Or smothered by the sky.
My heart bleeds.
My soul aches.
I choke on my meal
While people starve for a bite.
I’ll close my eyes
And eradicate the pain.
Justify my existence.
I’ll open my eyes
Hide behind my guilt.
And exist.

Musings of a tormented soul.
Saima Khalid MD 10/10/05