Cry, My Beloved Islands
After the fierceness of the anger
of the winds,
the habitations of my people
are mere matchsticks standing
in the sand,
multitudes walk no more:
fathers, mothers and children,
lifeless in the war-torn pavements
as torrential rainwaters
pelt their gelid flesh —
Cry, my beloved islands,
let your tears join the salty waters
that pilfered and ravaged
the pearls of life,
appease the ocean,
implore the seas
for calm,
for time to allow
the living to arise
and face another day.
D. G. Vachal © 2013
… I have been preoccupied with the devastation of one of the most severe hurricanes ever recorded, Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) that hit so close to home. Thankfully, my family was spared, but countless in my hometown and neighboring islands are suffering immeasurable losses and pain. In a few hours, I will fly halfway around the world to be with them.
Mango trees all uprooted…
*** photography courtesy of Sarah Lynn
lilies, sparrows and grass 
They are prayed for. God Bless your precious heart! Much Love, Deborah
Thank you, Deborah for your prayers, and it is a blessing to know that many are praying. Love, Dee
So sorry to hear of their loss, and such widespread devastation there. I will pray for those there and their needs. God bless you as you go to be near them.
Thank you, Joyce, for your prayers. Blessings to you too! Dee
Dee – sending prayers for all those affected – so grateful your family is safe – travel safe and know you will be on my heart while you care for those who need you- love , Kathleen
Thank you so much, Kathleen. Your prayers and concern mean a lot to me. Love, Dee
Prayers have been lifted. May the Lord strengthen and protect you and all with you as you return to the devastation.
Thank you so much, Liana, for your prayers. Dee
Praying for all those affected by the typhoon, and especially for you, that you will have the strength and faith to be a light of hope in their world.
Thank you, Charis. To be a light of hope in the face of desolation would bring glory to the Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. And I’m sure donations will be pouring in for relief for those who are suffering.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Yes, relief efforts are now urgently efforted, and it is uplifting to see the care and generosity of people.
Will pray for the many affected and will pray for you as you go there. May the Lord bless you and be your strength. Ellen
Thank you, Ellen for your prayers. Indeed the Lord is our strength and our salvation. Blessings, Dee
I’ve read of the devastation and seen the news videos – terrible and horrific.
Glad that your loved ones were spared but also praying for the less fortunate.
Peace and prayers,
Eric
Thank you, Eric. By God’s grace, my family was spared, and they are now in the thick of the relief efforts.
Peace and blessings,
Dee
This is unbelievable! You are ALL in my prayers. 😦
Thank you so much, Hope. Dee
A beautfiul piece. Prayers and thoughts with you and safe journey..
Thank you, John, for your prayers and thoughts. Blessings to you! Dee
Dee, Prayers for travel mercies and that you might bring comfort and strength to the suffering. You and your dear ones will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love and blessings, Vivian
Thank you, Vivian for your prayers. They are a great encouragement. Love and blessings, Dee
Dee, I’m so very sorry…
Thank you, Sandy for the nearness of your thoughts. Love, Dee
Such a great loss. Be strong, Dee, and let your light shine. Many are praying. Thank you for posting this to remind us of the need for prayer and assistance.
Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement, RJ, and for the reminder to be strong and let my light shine. May the Lord be glorified in the midst of this tremendous devastation. Blessings, Dee
Praying for you, Dee, and the many hurt and devastated
Thank you, Heidi. Your prayers are much appreciated. Love and blessings, Dee
I’m sincerely sorry sweet friend ~I, too, have very many friends there and, they’re all well but, the fear can choke the spirit itself ! They have our prayers always and, I believe God is watching and embracing them. He’ll not abandon them Dee~ Faithfully your friend~Deb
And that is the confidence that we have in Him, that He is our place of safety, and the place of safety for our family and friends. Thank you for your prayers, Deb. Love and blessings, Dee
Such a powerful poem, Dee. I am so sorry for the devastion of this storm. My heartful thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and your countrymen and women. I was so taken by your poem I felt compelled to recite it. You can find it here:
[audio src="http://webspace.webring.com/people/lm/mostlypoetry/audio/cry_my_beloved_islands.mp3" /]
Thank you, Matthew for your thoughts and prayers. I am touched that you felt compelled to recite my poem.
What a beautiful recitation of my poem! It felt strange and familiar at the same time, listening to the words I have written, spoken by another voice. I am deeply honored, Matthew, at the reading and recording of this piece. Again, thank you so much!
My thoughts and prayers go with you too. May love surround you all.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, Valerie. Indeed love surrounding us all will be sufficient. Best wishes, Dee
God Bless, as we stand together in prayer for all those loved and lost and those suffering and survived this catastrophic horrifying event that made thousands homeless and taken so many too many lives. May the Lord give you strength and courage and shine his love upon you all in his grace, in jesus name AMEN 😦 xxx
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement, Lizzie. Internet connectivity is sparse over here. God bless you. Dee
Thank you so much for reblogging, Lizzie. Love in Jesus, Dee
Our thoughts and prayers are with them and with you Dee. Thankyou for sharing your heart cry.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, Sarah. Love, Dee
Hello Dee, you’ve been nominated for the blog of the year award so please visit my blog for the details. congrats and have a nice day.
Dear Joseyphina, I am honored by your nominations; however my blog is not participating in blog awards anymore. God bless you, Joseyphina and thank you for considering my blog. Love, Dee
Prayers and God’s love overflowing…
Thank you, Susan. In His Love, Dee
My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for the losses of your people. I know you will bring comfort to the hurting.
Thank you, Patty for your thoughts and prayers. Love in Him, Dee
And we shall go with you – through our prayers and our silences, you shall know us. I feel the heartbreak of this piece, and yet the tearful joy of knowing many are safe. Dee, may your trip be blessed, and may your smile provide refuge for those who are broken. My love to you, beautiful friend. ~ Bobbie
Truly I feel you all beside me through your prayers and silences, and I see the light and beauty shining through the broken places, the wasteland and the fallen trees. And the children will hear the songs i carry with me through your love and caring. My heart overflows. Thank you so much, Bobbie. Love, Dee
Prayers with all directly and indirectly impacted. Paulette
Thank you Paulette, for your prayers and concern. Blessings to you! Dee