By Sandra Rippetoe © 2023 (in February)

Lamentations:
What can I say or do?
My heart cannot believe
what your countries are going through . . .
all the suffering, so much grief.

I’m in the U.S.
over halfway ‘round the world,
on solid ground that
hasn’t shaken, quaked, or hurled.

I look at the rubble. Images
fill my eyes with tears.
When I see the children rescued,
along with you, I cheer.

What can I do?
What can I say?
Hope:
May there be a moment to smile,
somehow, each and every day.

Perhaps the sun will peek through the clouds
or you’ll be visited by a singing bird.
Perhaps a friend will touch your soul
or you’ll find peace in familiar words.

May the earth under your feet
remain silent and still.
May the aid arrive quickly
and your tummies be filled.

May your children be comforted
and grow up healthy and strong.
May your sorrow be short
and your joy return long —

World Central Kitchen is feeding hungry people and accepting donations.
https://wck.org/