She rises with the sun sets flame a fire of coal smoke sends prayers high to the heavens above concrete walls holding her prisoner, protected from hungry hands Impenetrable by the strongest of light a single open door breathes freedom of cool morning air Seven children to feed rations of onion broth plantains Rich is she whose fruit falls from her tree A village rises in exquisite synchronicity- beats the rhythm cassava into flour footsteps following paths of forefathers into hills whose roots feed from the blood of warriors who fought, kept seeds passed through centuries food for the future Hands dried cracked keep clean and cleaner the little you have purification reflection of soul Bodies beaten battered tormented and sold Pride Dignity Grace hold these backs upright 'til no more can stand collapse 'neath the weight of the world Here too is your destiny young one no time for childhood No voice may complain no tears be heard Here life abandons the weak that others may shine Family the bread of life floats the wooden boats weaves the fishing nets for few small fish that may remain while across the bay tourists dine on plates of plenty the immeasurable cost of which can never be repaid. Ignorance the cost of capitalistic greed values pleasure over life What life remains in these hills of Haiti chokes on industrial air cracks as we extract starves as we export the best of her fruits. Blanc! Blanc! Children's elated shrills echo past white skinned gringos passing in arrogance Innocent, hopeful eyes know not what we have stolen Robes preaching God's word while outside the church life lays suffering in hunger insatiable thirst Who may teach the idea of sacrifice to those whose every breath is a testament of faith - for hell is enduring here Under the eyes of God she sets flame a fire of coal sun sinks pink pain of years softened by clouds embracing the dusk voices of loved ones speak through timeless sky They are re-united with every rising and falling of the sun. |