Requiem
The wrath of God descended on our land.
The fires raged and water scoured clean
Leaving shrouds of once loved homes
Where happy people lived.
Death reigned in our proud land.
Even the ground vibrated beneath
Our trembling feet.
Graves opened up to entomb the living.
Mud covered frightened mothers
Who clutched children to their hearts.
Drawing tortured last gasps of life.
Entwined together.
Never to part.
Next spring as pristine snow
Rolls down Mt. Fujiyama in crystal drops
Of silver water.
As leopards drink deep draughts of life;
And cherry trees shimmer blossoms on laughing lovers;
And the household gods are given new belongings;
I will still hear the screams of the dying.
I will drink salty tears.
I will still mourn.
by Mari Sloan
Requiem
The wrath of God descended on our land.
The fires raged and water scoured clean
Leaving shrouds of once loved homes
Where happy people lived.
Death reigned in our proud land.
Even the ground vibrated beneath
Our trembling feet.
Graves opened up to entomb the living.
Mud covered frightened mothers
Who clutched children to their hearts.
Drawing tortured last gasps of life.
Entwined together.
Never to part.
Next spring as pristine snow
Rolls down Mt. Fujiyama in crystal drops
Of silver water.
As leopards drink deep draughts of life;
And cherry trees shimmer blossoms on laughing lovers;
And the household gods are given new belongings;
I will still hear the screams of the dying.
I will drink salty tears.
I will still mourn.
by Mari Sloan
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