Westgate Mall Massacre

I came here only but once
And that was not long ago
Hunger had brought me here
And I went my way satisfied
And fully determined to return

When I walked up the stairs
From the parking lot below
I was hungry and I was thirsty
And it seemed to me a long
Long walk to the Food Cafe

Today I flew up to the third floor
And hid myself behind litter bins
For the devil, nay, for the devils
Had struck! And struck and struck
Mercilessly, recklessly, violently

And turned this man-made haven
Of happy, chatty, and even noisy
Citizens- children and old included
Into a brazen God-forsaken hell
With brazen Godforsaken devils!

For Shots rung from everywhere
And people fell, or crept or cowered
While others jumped to their swift end
Or broke limbs, screaming and shouting
As they sought to flee the assassins’ rage  

Many lives have been lost, dear friend
Much blood has been shed, dear friend
Much pain has been inflicted, my friend
Much fear has been instilled, my friend
Much loss has been incurred, my friend

These lives, this blood, pain, fear and loss
Visited, as it was, on innocent peaceful people
On a day which the whole world had set aside
To celebrate the International Day of Peace
Was meant to do what to the people of Kenya?


If it was to divide us, please know 
That we are more united than ever
If it was to instill fear and sow panic
We are more courageous and calm
Than you and your lot will ever be 

For the God of this land and nation is a universal God 
Who loves little children like those whose brains
You wantonly scattered to the four winds 
Who cares for life which you took
In your murderous adventure 
Which I know will come
To a close in the 
Fullness
Of time!
Who loves
Justice which 
You will face in
In the not so
Distant
Hour!

Unite 
Heal
And conquer
Fearless
Kenya!
 

©2013 Gerald Kithinji

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013



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Date: 10/5/2013 9:20:00 AM
From one African to another: may your nation's scars heal soon and with it come forgiveness. Soooo sad, my brother. You've done a good job of highlighting the massacre. Well done. Licia :-)
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Gerald Kithinji
Date: 10/6/2013 12:08:00 PM
Delysia, thanks for your encouragement. The healing process always takes longer than desired.
Date: 9/26/2013 1:14:00 PM
This is brilliant ....really emotion provoking...its d existential effect that can never expected.
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Gerald Kithinji
Date: 9/29/2013 3:30:00 PM
Oba, Allan,PDA, Sara, Lucilla, Cherie, Andrea- my hat off to you for being so supportive.
Date: 9/24/2013 8:04:00 PM
Raises many questions. Where were the condemnations from the Muslim world? Kenya, Kenya, I weep for you. Allan
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Date: 9/24/2013 6:41:00 PM
Gerald, this is one amazing and tough to know this really happened. Myself and every one at my restaurant prayed, the very moment we heard of this tragedy... a heartfelt poem and write.. xox~ Linda
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Date: 9/24/2013 5:14:00 AM
Sad event to be written in history..We never know where the devil will use his evil work next..You did a good job of telling about the story..Very expressive and emotive work..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara
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Date: 9/23/2013 7:41:00 PM
This is very well written and with a lot of pain in it. Things like this can happen anytime and anywhere. It is hard to forget something like this when you have been a witness. Thanks for sharing and for reading my poem..... Lucilla
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Date: 9/23/2013 7:28:00 PM
This is so deep rooted Gerald!!!! and I shed tears for kenya. You described in excellence, sheer terror but also the love & compassion that we share in these turbulant times. We can question why??, but we may never know, the answer. What dwells in ones heart. The wicked are amongst us but there is an almighty God, who carries us through. Blessings always ~<3~ cherie
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Date: 9/23/2013 5:47:00 PM
wow, Gerald. What a powerful poem. Would you mind if I showed this in a blog? Let me know. It's as if you were there. Were you???
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Date: 9/23/2013 1:27:00 PM
there is pain in every verse. it is so palpable and we share the loss. no peace to terrorists, no place to hide. The Innocent are killed daily but yet, That we are more united than ever If it was to instill fear and sow panic We are more courageous and calm Than you and your lot will ever be . Thank you so much. Hurrah Kenya!!!!!
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Gerald Kithinji
Date: 9/23/2013 5:37:00 PM
Gerald, John, Mustapha, The Situation- thank you for your time and brainworks here. It was a harrowing experience to so, so many. And still we bleed. But we are firm in our resolve. Thank you, too, to all those who read and are moved- somewhat.
Date: 9/23/2013 9:20:00 AM
What befell them to this cause? No brain washing could bring this or dedication to any god. Is this offence or defense from unjust laws. Where media hides its flaws and government hides its claws. What is really the cause? That's all I'm asking. What besides God gave them this cause. I have to share this. My captcha is PSY4
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Date: 9/23/2013 6:10:00 AM
You have described so succinctly that terrifying ordeal that claimed the lives of innocent people. Their days are coming sooner than they think and when it does, there is no hell or heaven that can protect them from the judgement of God. Well done!
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Date: 9/22/2013 5:30:00 PM
The horrifying part is they don't have a savior to protect them from the fire of the real hell awaiting them. They took the mark of the beast with in their hands and their head withtheir acts of violence. Their souls will trimble with a fear they have never known as they approach the waiting judge whom they will know. But it will be too late. The chains that hold demons will hold fast as they find themselves shackled as they were before human life offered them a chance to convert. They neverwill
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