ENKINDLER

Published by Reggae Festival E-Guide 9/5/05

In the last issue of the E-Guide we asked you to pray for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and at that time, the levees had not yet breached and flooded New Orleans. Now, much of the population of the three states bordering the Gulf Coast, are refugees. Indeed, these refugees and those who have lost loved ones, still need our prayers!

I found out Saturday that my family in Shreveport, Louisiana are OK! Praise Jah! Sadly, they describe the scene as “complete devastation”. This devastation, that is now being recognized as “the worst natural disaster in American history”, will take more than just prayer. It will take love, volunteering, giving, time, and money!

The Coast Guard and National Guard have worked day and night to help save victims of the disaster for which I am grateful. I am also grateful for the numerous countries that have contacted the U.S. with many forms of assistance.

“Red Tape” has delayed mobile and stationary hospitals, many of my medical colleagues including myself as a Respiratory Therapist. Let us pray that bureaucracy gets out of the way.

In addition to all this, let us not forget to pray for the victims of the recent typhoon, “Tilim” in China and “Hurricane Nabi” in Japan.

Much to pray for these days.

admin Published Articles, Short Stories FEMA, Katrina, reggaefestivaleguide.com

Published by Reggae Festival E-Guide 8/29/05

As a result of Hurricane Katrina in the southern states of the U.S., thousands have been evacuated from homes and businesses. While it is important to pray for the safety of these people, it is also an important reminder of nature’s awesome power.

I thought about the act of evacuation and pondered what I would take, where I would go, who I would I take with me, etc. Taking some time to think about this places distinct value on what you consider sacred.

Set aside some time this week to pray for those affected by this hurricane, contemplate on what you would do if you were in this circumstance, and grace to adjust to Mother Nature’s will if and/or when we are asked to in the future!

admin Published Articles, Short Stories FEMA, Katrina, reggaefestivaleguide.com, Superdome

Deep into the night
Darkness falls
Babies thirst, mothers pray for light
Children cry, elderly die
Women scream and mourn
Gun shots fired
Echoing hunger and desire
Decaying Sensibilities
Murderous Reality
Anarchist Release
here comes the Beast
Survive the night
Awaken to this horrible plight
Rapist Delight
Caged grief, beyond belief
Where is the Calvary?
Where is the justice?
Flood waters subside
Find a place to hide
Another haunting night goes by
And the CEO sleeps quietly
Tea time comes early
Fundraising come first
Families still have nothing to drink or eat
Displaces underneath
Unbearable heat
Stench unimaginable
Relief unwilling to respond
Unacceptable and absent of compassion
And humanity
Mired in red tape
“Bureaucracy”
Their blood is on your hands
Then suffering yours to purchase
Through flesh and bone
Their suffering yours to own
Underneath the Superdome

Written 9/5/05

admin Poetry, Slam Poetry FEMA, Katrina, Superdome