Haitian Children

Haitian Children

Just as the waves wash into the coast,

We were rushed into the boats.

A weary ride for the worry-eyed,

A esclave kind arrived with the tide,

Stripped from the tribe.

Paradise our eyes wake to,

Finding there is nowhere to escape to.

Time passes as the birds through the air,

And we stand for Liberte' from the legionnaire.

No chains or bloodshed from the crack of the whip,

We are left alone for most of our parents are sick.

Eske ou Malad? Why are you crying?

I searched for food of which I could not find.

I should read to gain wisdom to change our conditions,

Although we know the mulatto will not help our positions.

Though our houses are tattered and streets over run,

We are surrounded by mountains and beautiful sun.

Through centuries have lived though battered by weather,

Now they take what holds the very soil together.

Now tables, chairs, and paper is well enjoyed,

While we starve, suffer and our homes are destroyed.