Haiti
By Sister Magdala Marie Gilbert, OSP

Haiti, beloved country of Mary Lange
We cry out at your devastation today
Thought out the world your crisis bell rang
Countries round the world ran to obey.

Tears of woe and consternation fell quietly
Tearing Port-au Prince to the lowly ground
Building by building careening quickly
Buildings and streets swallowed all around

How did this tragedy come to be?
A fault under the earth they did say
A point seven on the Richter scale they see
Tearing the earth asunder and nothing can stay.

The dead are buried, mourned and the living to console
Those left behind either above or under rubble
Some under rubble and could be alive, we’re told
Workers, using any tool to dig neighbor out of trouble.

The best in humanity was witnessed by its goodness
As all nationalities across the continents to assist
Neighbors helping neighbor without bitterness
All saw the connection of all people and could attest.

Despite those who asked, “Where was God?”
God was there through all of this disorder
Using the elect to help spare His rod.
Sent helpers around the globe to restore some order.

Allowing us to see that we are sisters and brothers
All depending on each other to be truly whole
Galvanizing with compassion as children kin to the other
Realizing we are all God’s children with immortal souls.

A tragedy, yes, but so much good to insure a spot
Countries will rebuild a New Haiti with clarity
Haiti, once ignored, is now on the map at the top
Calling on all who can … to lend a helping through charity.