Oh mother city
City of love and mercy
How long must you carry this sorrow
This pain in your chest
Daily they kill your citizens
How broken
Your heart is with sorrow
How large your grief
Oh my poor city
Brutality goes on and on
Death, murder in your streets
You witness the genocide of your children
I smell fresh blood all over you
Feel your pain in my bones
Your green dress is red now
Your happy face is faded away
All I can do for you is pray
Asking God for a better destiny
By Shafiqa
Photo by Joe Calton
Dear Shafiqa
Your beautifully written poem is so moving, so heart-breaking. When I read it I feel your pain and your city’s pain, and all of your people’s deep, long, suffering. Please know you are remembered, cared about, that all over the world, even as far as New Zealand, other hearts are aching with yours, and other tears are flowing with yours, because of your courage to write so honestly. Thankyou.
Dear Shafiqa,
“I smell fresh blood all over you” – the most harrowing image in a strong poem. This focuses the horror. We pray along with you.
Thanks for the reminder.