Rise

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.