Turkey Earthquake - Let's Pray For Turkey Poem by Bernedita Rosinha Pinto

So many in the crust of the earth must have got buried
so many in the domain of despair must have perished
as buildings kept collapsing, as the earth kept shaking,
vibrating, engulfing everything in its path and direction;
how much of an agony it must have not created
how much of a destruction it must have not generated?
how many loss of lives it must have not propelled
how many tears of grief it must have not escalated?
how many mothers must have not cried aloud
when their children got suffocated and injured?
how many brothers and sisters must have not wept
when their sorrow must have augmented their sufferings?

Will memory ever be able to forfeit or forget this disaster?
Will there ever be a heart that did not fear the turbulence?
Where was the promise of existence lost in that circumference?
yet the earthquake cared not to hear any pleas
nor extend its clemency or sympathy;
it had to do its duty, it had to adhere to its phenomenon;
it vibrated and trembled the towns and cities,
rocking, shaking and taking everything down
to the ground as it came in its arms and bosom.

If only had prophecy focused its eyes of imagination,
it would have understood the sufferings of humanity;
it would have prevented the earthquake from this catastrophe
but nay, the hour of earth's patience and tolerance
had no control over its occurrence and abruptness
that though buildings kept collapsing and people kept running,
and though people kept shouting on the streets and crying,
and though they kept searching for their loved ones amidst the debris,
they feared more calamities and tragedies
but the earthquake by its own force of nature conducted
its devastation imposing disastrous consequences
on those who were left watching, praying, hoping
that their loved ones had not perished
and that their homes would not turn into dust.

But now this incident will remain back steadfastly in their minds
and will never be forgotten until their own breath one day ceases
as the heaviness in their hearts will never decline
since this earthquake has engraved a memory so vivid
which will never diminish from their reminiscence
as those buildings with people in them collapsed
like a pack of cards without any warning, without any farewells.