Tears Under the Gray Sky of West Sumatra

Tears Under the Gray Sky of West Sumatra

By Leni Marlina*

Beneath the somber sky so gray,
Our homes turned dust in dismay,
Mount Merapi's cries echo fear,
In the night, our cries disappear.

Ash clouds veil our desperate sight,
Hope fled as nature took its flight,
Floods claimed all we called our own,
Lost fields, lost dreams, all alone.

In restless nights, silence abides,
Joy's whispers no longer reside,
Nature's wrath, a mystery untold,
Left alone in a world so cold.

Cold lahar, a relentless force,
Threatening villages on its course,
Disasters strike without a sigh,
South Coast, Sawahlunto, we cry.

The once-lovely Anai Valley weep,
Agam, Tanah Datar's sorrow deep,
Floods, landslides, a heavy toll,
Our land, our home, takes its toll.

Paths closed, trapped in worry's might,
Sitinjau Lauik's slopes in fright,
Lolo Surian, Kelok Sembilan's cry,
Tiku, Maninjau, tears in the sky.

Children's hearts with sorrow laden,
Where have our parents all strayed?
Prayers rise for a brighter morn,
May peace embrace them, souls adorn.

With hearts united, one plea we share,
Rising from grief, a hopeful prayer,
Facing the future with strength untold,
In God's arms, relief takes hold.
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Padang, May 15th, 2024

*She is a member of the  writers association of SatuPena, West Sumatra, Indonesia & Victoria Writers, Australia.

Special note:

This poem is dedicated with all my heart to the victims of the natural disaster that struck West Sumatra in 2024. Through these words, I wish to convey my deepest condolences and hopes for strength and resilience to all those affected. May this poem provide some comfort amidst the sorrow and serve as a reminder that we are all united in prayer and support for those who are striving to rebuild their lives.