Watching the endlessly dark sky
I smell the scent of forgotten ashes
I am chained from where I stand
As I hear the cries of despair.

What has become of my world?
I could still remember the sweetness—
Of the children’s joyous laughter
Once more, I wish to bathe in that innocent melody.

Rain pours in the backdrop of shadows
We used to play under the raindrops
But now, they resemble the unending tears—
Of people who lost their precious lives.

I picked up a single feather wallowing in the mud
Though it was marred with dirt and sand
It still seemed to glow of pure white
And then, I let it go as I closed my eyes.

My sanctuary is far from reached
But I know and I believe so…somehow
I’ll be in that place of tranquility
And the children’s laughter will fill eternity.