“There’s a lesson in every silence” ~ Aniekee Tochukwu Ezekiel
The news has been stirred by the horrific Hurricane Mathew. For people that are not aware, it is a tropical cyclone, creating strong winds that rotate very quickly in a circular motion. The impact is noticed in parts of Haiti, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. It is predicted to also affect eastern parts of the United States. With the warning signs, authorities pleaded for people to evacuate their homes, so you can imagine thousands of people rumbling to move inland. However, some individuals stayed behind, mostly people living in poorer regions. I am not sure of their reasons, whether naive, or ignorance, or selfish. But, what I do know is that as humans they have the right to life.
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This piece is dedicated to those that have been affected directly or indirectly by the hurricane storms. We pray for safety. We pray for restoration.
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The wall began closing in
Collapsed in this strange world
Built to withstand
Yet to adapt
The rivers are thrusting in
Shallow waters rising
My skin is moist
As I flee to shelter
The winds carried me sail
As my heart began beating
Worried about my fate
If tomorrow will be promised
It’s cold
I’m cold
My skin has formed scales
As I try to keep warm
I am angered by my very existence
A life placed between the waters
I wish to move
I wish to leave
Soil is limited
Few will grow
Others will be pushed back
To a destination afar
Misplaced by my being
I can only stay afloat
A few minutes
A few seconds
As my body begins to weaken
My vision blurs
My head is drawn to gravity
Reaching out to the sea bed
Before I get to kiss the skirts of the ocean
Before my last breath
I can see a stranger
Holding me tight
Please don’t let go
©Kihek
Kimberly Ihekwoaba 