Easter Mourning
a poem for Sri Lanka (and us)
City stunned, scarred
By sons of spice tycoon
Church pew gash
Glass shard mandala
Run home, run home
Sequestered citizens
Breathe bold faced news
In power cut gaps
As people who look like me
From island country flee
Cyclone horizon
Turbulent terror
Worship, tremble, weep
In churches, mosques and temples
On prayer mat
And boulder flat
Embrace your love
And hold your breath
Pray and pity us
On island country free
First published in April, 2019. I lived with my family in Kandy, at the heart of Sri Lanka. We love our adopted country. We describe the country as lush and beautiful and the people as warm and cheerful. These violent attacks confuse and horrify us. We mourn with all people the hurt and pain we humans inflict upon ourselves again and again.
