A Haunting from Haiti

The haunting face
Of an old soul
Of a tormented soul

The twisted mouth
The eyes that are dry
From crying so many more tears
Than anyone should have to cry
In any one lifetime
The eyes ask
"Why?"
"Why me?"
"Why now?"
The eyes ask
"Who?"
"Who did this?"
"Who will help me?"
The eyes ask
But there is no answer

For the haunting face
Of an old soul
Of a tormented soul

The face recedes
To reveal the truth
The eyes that are dry
From crying so many more tears
Than anyone should have to cry
In any one lifetime
Are the eyes of a mere infant
A life just getting started
In a badly battered body
Bandages wrapped
Around shoulders
Where there used to be arms
My soul cries out
"Why?!"
"Why him?!"
"Why now?!"
My soul cries out
But receives no answer
And has none to give

To the haunting face
Of an old soul
Of a tormented soul

Copyright © 2010 by Paul Hanke