Drowning

Foreseeing the worst...

The sight around me is awful to behold

Worse than any tragedies and stories ever told

In a minute or so, I'll join the chorus of cries

Breath of life to piteous creatures denies

Such sweet death to spend with my family

As we hang on to the mercies of a mango tree

Praying to deities to spare us please

From cold waters creeping up our knees

Shouts of help and screams in the air

Unanswered sighs melting to despair

Deaf heavens and unconcerned lords

Unimpressed by hearts' tears and words

Water reaches necks and acceptance sinks in

Where our disbelief and denial have once been

Unfortunate fates--oh tragic! So tragic!

Like Noah's flood and the sinking of Titanic

If hope and rainbows are still not found

No dry land or habitable ground

Hell seems warm and heaven, bright

The less air I breathe, the lovelier the sight...

Author's Note

Friday, November 8, 2013

CEBU (Updated 1 p.m.) -- Typhoon Yolanda (international codename: Haiyan), considered as the strongest tropical cyclone in the world this year, has made its fifth landfall over Concepcion, Iloilo at noon Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported.

-from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/11/08/typhoon-yolanda-makes-5th-landfall-iloilo-312742

Photo credits: Google Images

-Thanks for those who have expressed their concerns. God bless us all! :)
-My heart weeps for the 10,000 lives lost during the tragedy.

Reviews

[Catherine Frain]

WOW! Powerful strong images can be seen while reading this. I loved it, and I felt a tug of sorrow and pain for the people who are drowned in these storms, as no one is available to help them till after the storm.

I like the last two lines:

"Hell seems warm and heaven, bright
The less air I breathe, the lovelier the sight..."

But I feel as though the comma should be after bright, as it creates a unnatural pause right there.

Overall this was a wonderful poem, even though it's tone was sad.

I hope that anyone who is in the path of Haiyan is safe, and doesn't suffer the same fate.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Katie, no words can fully express how tragic that experience was. Thank you for your kind review and for expressing your concerns. :)

[Brooke Graco]

Powerful, strong, sad. I'm not afraid to admit a few tears spilled while reading this. Thank you for your beautiful but tragic poem, I hope it will turn heads and make people reach out to those who need it most.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Thank you, Brooke. :)

[Bob Sherunkle]

Harrowing.Very well written,Mother nature can be beautiful but horrific and cruel.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Been there. Thank you so much, Bob. :)

[Bob Sherunkle]

Apologies for my photo,that isnt actually me! Just incase you found it offensive.Apologies again.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Oh, I actually haven't noticed before. Hahaha.

[ASPAR (A Sol Poet Arnay..]

Heck that was a powerful read, certainly could feel the power of mother nature in these lines, loved it & a great piece of ink my friend. Thank you for the opportunity to read fine work :)

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

I should be the one thanking you for your priceless reviews. :)

[Mike Emil]

your sentiments are well done
HAI!!!

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Thank you, Mike. :)

[Poe Redd]

An INTENSE poem, drawing all the air from my lungs as I read it.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Lovely review. Thank you, Poe.:)

[Donald]

I know it is impossible to believe what has happened there. Your poem captured the essence of it. I hope that you were not too badly affected by it. I know someone who has lost everytime and asked me for help. It helps us cope senseless disasters and few bother to help. I wish I could help, but I have vitually nothing to give. I can only offer a prayer for those in need.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

A single prayer is powerful enough. Thank you, Donald. :)

[Ency Bearis]

Touching poem and I can imagine the scenario how scary it was during that time, for several times I had experienced several same events during my time there. I hope " lahat kayo nasa mabuting kalagayan sa ngayon " and my sympathy to those who lost there lives in Samar and Leyte. Thanks God our place which is the Bicol Region was not devastated by that typhoon and all my relavatives are safe. A heart rending tragedy and a good write Blue. Best regards and " ingat na lang kayo "

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Salamat, Ency. I'm thankful God has spared our lives and I pray, too, that the unfortunate ones will rest in peace. :)

[Ency Bearis]

You're welcome.

[Clara]

An incredible write for such a terrible disaster.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family and friends.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Thank you, Lola. I appreciate that very much. :)