Being a poet and writer means I must speak out at a time like this. I felt low all day, wondering what I could do to really help such a horrific scene of devastation. So I wrote this poem for Haiti, and shared it tonight at the open mic/music night at our local Starbucks. The place was packed with people, and the audience was very quiet while I read these thoughts.....
Before the dust settles across our minds,
and we no longer see or hear their cries,
and return to the gregarious music that
fills your mood, and also mine,
lets take a few moments to think of
Haiti tonight.
What can WE do to simplify
our inadequate ability to not be there;
digging with our own hands through
all the rubble and cement,
pulling out bodies, hearing those cries for help,
and responding with SOMETHING that WILL
make a difference?
We want to take a cool wet cloth,
and wipe a face full of dust, blood, and fear,
and hug them, bringing a moment of comfort,
if that might be possible.
We want to bandage wounds,
sit with those who have lost loved ones,
and everything!
We want to make soup, and sandwiches,
and cover those lying in the streets with blankets,
offering them water to drink,
and not just walk by them.
We cry out too, and wonder WHY,
and ask "WHERE is our God?"
Let me tell you,
there is something you can do!
It takes just one person who believes,
and can organize things.
Instead of saying, "that isn't I!"
I say, "yes, it is!"
If you have ever gone through hardship,
suffered any kind of loss,
been sick,
been hungry,
been almost homeless,
or maybe even homeless,
lost a job and been on unemployment,
without health insurance,
known death,
or known ANYONE who has,
then you can do something to make
a difference tonight.
Can you write a song?
Can you speak up amongst friends, family,
schools, churches, and ANY and EVERY group,
you belong to?
Can you organize others to support,
the organizations and churches,
who are there?
Can you donate your time, resources, or funds?
Can you say in your heart of hearts,
lying there in the dark,
"Haiti, I won't let you go and slip away?"
After the media is gone, you are
going to need us, day after day.
I will COMMIT a portion of this "self,"
who felt helpless this morning,
and this afternoon, and tomorrow,
and I will STAND with my other
fellow human beings,
person to person,
arm in arm,
to make that difference
in THIS moment of human need?"
I say to you,
what good are the words of a poet,
unless they call you to mobilize,
prioritize, and show others
what love is?
I am not here to offer charming words,
and little quips.
Did you ask yourself, "where God is?"
Of course you should pray,
according to your own faith,
but God uses US to make
that difference in Haiti.
To bring the help, the human touch,
and answer their prayers through
each one of us.
Before the dust settles tonight across our minds,
and we no longer see, or hear their cries,
will you stand with me for Haiti?
Go home, and DO something!
--Carol F. Neuman
In respect, and awareness of the deep needs
of utter humanity, and being our "brother's keeper."
To Haiti!
