I got this message from Alan Ball, an advisor to the editors for the anthology “Poetry for Haiti.” This collection has submissions from a number of Somerville students, as well as other young, local poets.  Here is what Mr. Ball has to say:
“Poetry for Haiti is a response of young poets to the ongoing needs of Haiti in its rebuilding. Planning was begun shortly after the earthquake and it took several months to collect the material.”
This volume of poetry is edited by sixth grader Naomi Rafal, eighth grader Gabi Mathews and with the assistance of Domi Mathews, a fourth grader. The book is selling for $5 a copy, all of which will be donated to recognized, legitimate organizations with a mission to assist Haiti and the Haitian people.” To order go to happeningmagazine@yahoo.com

DEAR HAITI
by Kathia Blaise
Why did this happen to us?
I feel like when things
actually get better
something may knock us
right back down.

Back then
There wasn’t any kidnapping.
Back then
The streets were clean
Back then
We slept with the door open with no worries.
What happened?
Things went the wrong way
Money became an issue
People started to suffer
Then disaster after disaster.

I was there once when I was young
It’s a beautiful place.
I want Haiti to come back
The Haiti my parents knew
Because I want to know it too.

Haiti’s not gonna break
We’re gonna pull through as one
and pray for our country Haiti to become
the Haiti we know and love.

*Kathia Blaise is a graduate of Somerville High School.  She will attend Salem St. College in September.

January 12, 2010
by Keisha Jean-Louis

The earthquake shook the land but not the people.
They remain strong.
Some souls rose after the quake.
The sun still rises and sets.
The people call home where there are no longer houses.
They still believe there’s hope.
Their sidewalks now shelter the dead and the road is a mattress for their weary souls.
Kids left with no parents, no food, homes gone, broken down, and
piles of rubble.
They look to each other for comfort and
They look to each other for love and joy.
As I watch television the people begin to sing and dance.
They hurt, they cry, they love. They’re still Haiti.

*Keisha Jean-Louis is a graduate of Somerville High School. She will begin Babson College in the fall.

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To have your work considered for the Lyrical send it to:
Doug Holder, 25 School St.; Somerville, MA 02143.
dougholder@post.harvard.edu