navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #38 » Death in Congo
Open Poetry #38
Post A Reply Post New Topic Death in Congo Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
playing.with.crayons
Member
since 2006-01-02
Posts 362
Neverland

0 posted 2006-06-20 04:37 AM



"They kill you. You become numb. You are breathing, but you are not alive. They kill you by taking away your self-worth, your dignity"
                        
-Antoinette M'Cubira, Congo


Berthe, Mapendo, Marguerite
Hutu rebels stole their pulse

Walls of fire from Rwanda burn
and little boys hold their badges high with pride

Power was a voiceless chant
Harmonised with hate.

Smoke is in the air
and screams thicken, penetrating
the blackness
and pinpointing the human race
In all its Glory

Hyenas cackle
and babies cries are silenced
with a swift jerk to the ground.

The men of Mundundu 40
are beaten back
but Resistance is their power
even though they know they're going to lose.

Down the road the little boys march
badges shining brightly
in the glow
of their fires.

Nobody told them, of course
that they are dull
in the light of day.

Charlotte, Deodatte, Seraphine
are laid upon the ground.

Three shots.
And the rebels laugh
Three bullets wasted.

Morning light,
and the dust has settled
Women scream
while idly sweeping the floor
No one hears
For

Tonight it starts again.



© Copyright 2006 cheye - All Rights Reserved
LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

1 posted 2006-06-20 07:05 AM


very very sad...makes you just wanna scream out..."people wake up!!!!" and stop this senseless brutality and insult to mankind...

very sad

well written though, thought provoking wake up call




Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
2 posted 2006-06-20 01:31 PM


heartbreaking..makes my skin clammy and cold
just to feel and know this is 3D reality, breaks my heart apart

to know the ~real~ of this madness is going on as I dress for work, drink my java, in relative peace and harmony...but how many more times can a heart be broken, before it fails completely because humanity fails to protect the weakest of the family of man?

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
3 posted 2006-06-20 06:15 PM


Thank you for this deep outcry of your heart. Unbearable horrors are perpetrated in this world of ours. There are people who are experiencing hell here and now.
May humanity awaken to love!
And may UNO be able to stop this tragedy.
Love,
Margherita


Beauty fades from life

when human rights are ignored

and love is lacking


playing.with.crayons
Member
since 2006-01-02
Posts 362
Neverland
4 posted 2006-06-21 04:36 AM


thank you all for the thoughtful comments. It just seems so ridiculous that nothing is being done about this. Perhaps it is naive of me but there you go. Nearly four million people have died either directly or in the aftermath of the violence in Congo since 1998, and children as young as seven are forced from their homes and made child soldiers.
I have a couple links to some information on this but it's very graphic. much love. xx

http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/1307/context/cover/

http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/200502/omag_200502_congo_c.jhtml

http://www.amnestyusa.org/countries/dr_congo/document.do?id=ENGAFR620092006

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
5 posted 2006-06-22 12:22 PM


I live in South Africa (and my daughter and her family emigrated to Australia where you are), which, although many thousands of miles away from the Congo, is nevertheless on the same continent, and thus, I feel a close affinity with these people suffering at the hands of people.  If only the human condition could reach the civilisation of animals, none of these atrocities would occur.  Thank you for your compassionate poem.  People such as you, give hope for the human condition.

- Owl

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
6 posted 2006-06-22 03:17 PM


I was trying not to read this but I couldn't stop myself

this is so sad and it will stay with me for a long time

playing.with.crayons
Member
since 2006-01-02
Posts 362
Neverland
7 posted 2006-06-22 05:31 PM


thank you both for replying.
Kind of puts the whole "oh no we lost the footy, life is over" into perspective.
*grin*
much love xx

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
8 posted 2006-06-24 01:45 AM


I understand what you mean, but please translate "footy"!  

- Owl

playing.with.crayons
Member
since 2006-01-02
Posts 362
Neverland
9 posted 2006-06-24 08:47 AM


translate it to what?
*mildly confused*

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #38 » Death in Congo

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary