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