The background: On January 12, Haiti was struck by an earthquake that measured 7.0M_w in magnitude.  There was tremendous damage to buildings and infrastructures and an untold number of people lost their lives.  The world subsequently learnt that an estimated 230,000 people were killed.  Like many Caribbean nationals, I, a Jamaican was moved by the suffering I saw on television and read about in the newspapers and on-line.  I wrote two poems to express my feelings, My Father, My Father, which was written on the same day of the tragedy; and Bonjour Haiti which I wrote two days later.  Like many people the world over I empathize with the Haitian people, and wish for them a speedy recovery from the terrible disaster

 My Father, My Father

My Father, My Father, here I am once again

Seeking deeper understanding for I am in pain.

I have a heavy heart and a tortured soul

Only you my Father can make me feel whole.

My brothers across the sea face another stern test

Already they're known as the poorest in the West

But they have been dealt a frightening blow

Causing them more pain, heartache, and sorrow.

I do not understand why an ill-fated nation

Where there's poverty throughout the population

Is struck by such a devastating earthquake

Neighbors who're miles away felt the earth shake.

I do know though Lord, Man cannot always understand

And that the devil's acts are often blamed on your hands.

So I ask in this time of such great unhappiness

Lord, please help the Haitians; they're in deep distress.