John's head, Herod's plate
for saying what needed said
and i can think of a few poets
that need beheaded, for
heaven's sake---here's my
neck, take me away...
One million people, displaced,
still live under tarpaulin &
tent, One year since the quake
(sing) Haiti...Oh Haiti...
Rose raped, then discarded
among the ruins, ran when
they came for her again
(sing) Haiti...Oh Haiti...
Reconstruction, where are you
lip service on commitee floor
won't unbury anything, anyone
(sing) Haiti...Oh Haiti...
Daphne, with her new leg,
will learn to dance again
for those that haven't
forgotten, nor given in
& hope will come to those
that wait, a cup for alms
at heaven's gate, 365 and
today is not just another day
(sing) Haiti...Oh Haiti...
whatever shall tomorrow bring...
Oh Haiti...
One Shot Wednesday ~ a movement in poetry, where 100s gather each week to celebrate verse...write one, come join us.
Note: Rose & Daphne are both real people, and the estimate on those still living without a home were taken from news articles over the previous week. Wednesday will be a year.
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116 comments:
Oh Haiti indeed! Such a tragedy and not a thing I can do to help. It is so sad and frustrating. And for those, over there, trying to help...I am sure they weep every night. I give my prayers!
Thanks Brian
Hugs
SueAnn
My dad (who never wants anything) got a gift made to the Haiti fund at Episcopal Relief & Development for Christmas. It's just such an ongoing tragedy. This was a lovely tribute.
Thank you for being brave enough to bring this to light! Excellent poem!
No lip service doesn't help...people's suffering only makes headlines for a very short time Brian. Let's not forget haiti.
How would we like to be without a roof over our heads or a bathroom or enough food for a year, forgotten and losing hope. Thank you for your caring reminder.
powerful sad words, reminding us to take off our rose colored glasses and see what is real...
Great work my friend
sad reminder Brian
Your words honor them and remind us.
Thank you.
Well said. When they show before and after photos....which is which?
wow - they ARE real - this is amazing brian miller - love the john the baptist line - and in case someone tries to behead you, i will come to rescue my no. 1 poet
Thank you Brian for this sad reminder. How can this be? After so much money was donated, so little has been done.
Is Daphne the college girl from the US that lost her leg? At least that had a good ending.....her family is paying for college for the young Haitian boy who saved her life. But where is all the money that everyone donated?
It's disgraceful that such a small place and so few people are still homeless and in need of support. All that money raised last year, it makes you wonder where it's being spent.
Beautifully said! Oh Haiti! Thank you.
A year today...my God...too much pain in the world Brian...so easily lost in our own...too easy to forget.
Your words are so beautiful thank you for opening my heart to a wider field today.
Oh everywhere!:( beautiful
This is a powerful piece, Brian. How difficult it is to comprehend how there can be such suffering for so long with no remedy in sight. Where does the money all go?
There is a long, long way to go for Haiti. I don't think people understand the depths of it.
Voo Doo Politics.
great one.. this brought tears to my eyes...
Thank you not- for thetaers but the reminder
you great soul
Oh my goodness Brian. I don't even have the words to express my feelings....... although helpless seems to cover it much of the time.
a very powerful lament, you covered much territory here.
just leaving my stamp to say i was here from #oneshotwednesday and was very touched by your piece.
xo
You've got some wicked internal flow going on in this one... The rose raped section is heavy, and fitting given the dire travesties. Well written, though-provoking, and heartfelt in tribute.
even though i live in the uk..haiti touched me too...to be a year later and still people suffer is terrible...a good strong write my friend...but then its Brian Miller and that is what you do..cheers pete
You mean, there's a world beyond the end of my own nose? NOW you tell me. Always holding out on me, aren't you, Brian?
Quite. I don't have the words.there just aren't enough words. You came close, but... There just aren't enough words in the world.
Great words highlighting the tragedy.
Tragic....wow, can't believe it's been a year.
What a terrible tragedy that we need reminding of the commitment we made to Haiti. I wonder how often this happens, the falling off of money, aid, people. I heard some horror stories on NPR about life for those displaced. I couldn't listen. I had to turn it off.
This piece broke my heart. The news of Haiti breaks my heart every day, and I sent my check right away. My friend told me the Episcopal Relief people had people on the ground when the quake occurred. But my check wasn't cashed for four months. That broke my heart. Maureen went and helped with her hands. That heartened me that I know her through 1SP. Your piece heartens me as well. You lift me up. Thank you Brian. Gay @beachanny
I'm crying on how we forget, how we minimize the pain that is still there.
Really, really strong writing there. Well done.
Rose and Daphne...their stories make me weep...
A perfect reminder that so much more needs to be done, Brian.
It's a shame for all of us on the planet, and yet how few even realize that once the TV blare is turned off, the devastation and pain and destruction are all still there. I read recently that the country with the most resources in doctors and field hospitals and relief still in Haiti right now is...Cuba. What does that say about the rest of us? Thanks for speaking out in this excellent and well-crafted poem, Brian
A sad reminder...
It's not just that the poem is emotionally driven by such strong imagery, for me, it's the rhythmic chant for Haiti that echoes. The poem needs to be felt as much as read...or spoken, because as powerful as the words are on paper...they are even more so when read aloud. Well done!
What movement and verse! Violent, heartfelt, current and timeless. Thanks to Onestop I have found and followed.
This a very hard hitting poem Brian, love these lines
& hope will come to those
that wait, a cup for alms
at heaven's gate
I have a poet friend who worked on an aid project in Haiti last year, I'd like to send him the link to this piece if I may.
Carys
I felt this..deep.. I work with an organization that assists the Restavek's of Haiti and that earthquake, well..horrors upon horrors..
this is an absolutely wonderful poem. I thank you for writing this!!!
Excellent, perfect, great rhythm n' breaks to this - not only that, it takes on world issues without speechifying/maintaining an exemplary sense of artistry.
Well said -- Haiti is an unhealed wound in our collective humanity.
How unfortunate tragedy lingers for so long...you have brought it to the forefront in a way that touches the soul...
Sing Haiti. Such depth in those words.
These people who have lost more than we have ever known, their homes, their families, their innocence, their lives and some their minds and souls.
This reads like a Psalm to me, Brian.
David always chose to sing regardless of good or bad in his life. . . it's what got God's attention. It was the praise that turned to worship that brought David into the glory of God. And standing in the Glory is where miracles happen.
Very touching. So tragic that things have not improved.
Yeah!
Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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A heart-felt write for Haiti, brings to mind the plight of a people, a nation that is too often forgotten. Thank you for this.
Beautiful! My cousin has been over there twice to help!
Oh Haiti...how long did the world really care for? To think of all the coverage the news gave it, all the effort people put into it...and within a matter of months, they'd completely forgotten, as they always do, and moved to something new. A year later, their attentions still stray, and the people of Haiti remain still wrapped in their suffering...
A potent dedication, Brian. Good use of biblical reference with this modern tragedy in the opening. Would all people held such a heart as you express here, I dare think none of those suffering would have to bear it...Poignant piece, and the fact that you've used real victims in the telling, makes it all the more hard-hitting. Thank you, Brian.
I like the mix of biblical references in there. "A cup for alms at heaven's gate" Impact.
We have our own Haiti here in this country, New Orleans, and many cities here where the people are waiting, hoping, despairing,
I donated many times to Haiti and helped with some big containers being shipped there from a neighboring church and read where many others have as well -- where is the relief going and to who? I am sure it is not enough for even before the earthquake struck they were mistreated and oppressed by imperialism. Massive devastation.
a heartfelt poem expressing the massive devastation of the human condition/soul
joanny
Saw it on the news tonite...my kids and I sat on our leather chairs and stared...surreal.
This is a promising poem, but I think it needs revision. Some of the syntax just doesn't work. At the same time, the arc of thought & the twists & turns you take are very interesting--clean it up; you've done the wild inspiration part, but now it's time to control your creation.
Regards,
-KW
A solemn tribute - the newscasters go home people live life and yet some live under plastic in Haiti
thanks Bri
Your dedication to Haiti reminds me of Tsunami near my place!!! Ever since that, somehow I know the sea and beach where I go almost once a month atleast, has changed forever!!! :(
My 100th post - Dedicated to all
Tragic.
Such a sad poem for Haiti...
i can't believe a year has passed already...
There's none so blind as those who don't want to see...
Wonderful tribute to a terrible situation.
Thank you for remembering Haiti. I can't believe that a year has gone by so quickly since it happened and people have been allowed to forget, including me
Haiti...Oh Haiti...
Yes Brian, Oh haiti! brilliant writing and such a heartfelt verse.Remembering people in crisis is a noble thought especially when associated with real actions.
well done poet!
it is still one earth for all of us, my prayers for a better year ahead for humanity.
Powerful as ever Brian..:)
A lovely and charming tribute. I loved the last bit with Daphne who will learn to dance again, or will just dance again like she used to
Thanks for sharin ;)
S.
it makes you wonder..why it must happened...lovely the way you wrote it
it makes you wonder..why it must happened...lovely the way you wrote it
So sad. Thanks Brian for reminding people. We get so consumed in our own lives. :(
'hope will come to those' very touching Brian
Boldness in the face of possible public beheading. This piece powerfully prophetic, words speaking truth, "saying what needed said", rock on! Love it!
a year already... it is amazing how time is relative depending on the circumstances... for me, last year flew... I am sure it has been a slow-painful-difficult year for the people of Haiti. Thanks for the reminder!
A year...hard to imagine from where I'm sitting, but not from where they are I'm sure. If only what was meant to help didn't corrupt.
Out of sight, out of mind unfortunately. It's important for us to use poetry to speak out about such things in a world that shuffles horrible thing out of the way.
Haiti was last year. Last year in this day was last century. Last century is no longer on the world radar.
It's not right but that is how we roll as mankind.
But you know as well as I do that there are many people trying still to assist and to them I say thank you.
the voice of the poet
nothing better for society
I read about this in the news last night. What a tragedy to be suffering even after all this time. Great write as always!
Thanks Brian.
Brian, Tender you.
Yes I agree very cool poem and thankyou
While there are lots of money at one end, the other seems short of everything. A year?!? I don't know what to say.
Joy and peace,
Susan
This was a heartbreaking read, but it should be, shouldn't it? This poem reaches out, shakes you by the shoulders, punches you in the gut. 365 days-- oh, Haiti.
The anniversary of the quake will always be mingled, for me, with the joy of the miracle birth of my friend's beautiful baby. My own daughter was born on 9/11. Simultaneous life and death, and it has always been, and always will be.
there is not much to say. we all can feel their horrible condition, but the remedy?
trisha
mydomainpvt.wordpress.com
Haiti, such a pity, a human tragedy.
It is words like these that truly put my own life into perspective.
When I think about all those people that are effected by catastrophes and natural disasters, I realize how blessed I truly am...
Thank you for reminding me of this dear friend.
xoxo
Great writing in response to a year later in Haiti. Hopefully there will be more positive to write 365 days from today. Being so close to them on our trip has made me have even more feelings for the people of Haiti.
I wrote something about Haiti recently titled "Bless"
I really share same sentiments and pray it will be fine for those people suffering beyond human comprehension.
You did well to raise the awareness. Well done, B.
Bless!
A heartfelt piece, Brian.
Has it really been a year?
Pamela
i can't believe it's een a year......and still so much to to recover there..... thanks Brian
Very moving, Brian, and beautifully written-- i hear the sad song.
A powerful reminder Brian....thank you...:-)
Thank you for reminding us that their struggle goes on.
A beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Haiti, Brian. Rebuilding will take a very long time and sadly, for many donors who could only make a one-time gift when it happened, they are looking for results that aren't possible in a year. They were already dealing with every imaginable human crisis there long before the quake.
"Rose raped, then discarded
among the ruins, ran when
they came for her again"
excellent. thanks for this poem.
Excellent, Brian.
beautiful and powerful
very moving
thank you
Much remains undone
Not completed in the year that has passed
Yet, do we note the success stories
The changes; the differences; the help consistently amassed?
The destruction remains
Of that there is no doubt,
But what of those who have given time, energy, money, effort?
What of the support sent and received – the work inside the country and out?
The sentiment in your words rings clear
Our hearts weep for the tragedy that was and remains
Yet there is success; there is gratitude to be given
There are flowers despite the pain.
Just some thoughts as I read your work and absorb what has been achieved despite the challenges. It is easy to see and feel the pain of what has yet to be accomplished over recognizing and appreciating what has been done.
Brian said,"Reconstruction, where are you
lip service on commitee floor
won't unbury anything, anyone..."
Hi! Brian...
Thanks, for the reminder!
Thanks, for sharing!
Something that so many Of us turn a "blindeye" too! (Unintentionally, I'am quite sure...)
...even though we can "see" the suffering too!
DeeDee :-(
very true and very moving ... thanks for remembering and reminding us as well Brian
yes I remember, we did not forget
In a few words, you captured the enormity of the tragedy. Well done, Brian.
(sigh).. and it goes on.. doesn't it? So much has happened in this past year, and yet, nothing seems to have changed..
A very moving piece, Brian.. something only you could come up with!
Peace be with all..
Why do we insist on forgetting what is right in front of our faces?
So glad you've written it.
xx
Haiti has suffered so much throughout centuries. This poem needs to get out there as a reminder that there is still a long way to go, a lot to be done for her recovery. It makes me feel so powerless.
Thanks for reminding us, Brian. Powerful piece.
Just saw the movie "Precious" and reading thins makes me think about how there is so much horror all over the world that it's hard to take it in or keep responding.
very touching my dear, very touching. It brought a tear to eye. Again to cease to amaze me.
Yes, the anniversary of the devastation of Haiti, a sad day. To think that they have come so far but have so much more to go before they are restored to a vision of their former glory is a daunting thought. Thank you for sharing Brian.
Pain and frustration ... your words capture both in such a delicate way.... I am sure as long as people are there like you, world will still be a great place to live...
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com
Twitter @VerseEveryDay
one of the most political pieces of writing I have read from you...way to take a stand...got me all fired up!
Such sadness and continuing horror for those poor people, mostly because they live under such a corrupt government. I pray we never know that horror.
I saw pictures in the news yesterday of rescue and aid vehicles parked for months with vines growing over them.
What a waste.
Haiti a year past, and how much left to be accomplished....the dead still being grieved the living stilling dying inside...sad words for sad truths that you speak...the earth is not forgiving when she cracks, she does warn us ...she gives us and takes us...Haiti's people knows this better than any people today....bkm
Powerful call for help, touching those hearts intending, yet so much undone, so much needing to be done. How does our world focus so much on war, yet so little to help those in need.
We prayed over Haiti...have done so many times in the last 365 days. One year later and they are still just at the beginning of trying to find LIGHT in all that DARKNESS. It breaks my heart.
Some nice use of internal rhyme. Easy to talk about fixing the problems, much harder to actually do.
The lack of progress is painful indeed. Just so you know, I DID sing the refrain...Oh, Haiti!
Powerfully sad if that makes any sense. Great work!
Touching write for Haiti, Brian. Well done.
A great work for the people of Haiti...
:)
:) I passed by for a visit and fell upon this piece. How appropriate...
Here is an update if you wish :)
http://lynnaima.wordpress.com/
And from us all, thank you for thinking about us, our plight and this wonderful piece!! :)
Bon dye va beni w :-)
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