SRI LANKA 2008

Jack Clancey

At one time:

She was a beauty:

Her attractiveness charmed all those who met her.

She was admired by all;

Adored by some;

Envied by a few.

During New Year’s celebrations,

All her children,

Praised her beauty;

Lauded her assets;

Acclaimed their good fortune.

Then:

Her daughter’s face was brutally cut by the jealous wife of a rich merchant.

There was an outcry,

But no arrest.

Her son was tortured by six police officers.

People were frightened and shocked,

But did nothing;

There was no prosecution.

Her granddaughter was raped by a politician’s son.

Reports stated people were horrified,

But soon kept quiet;

There was no conviction.

Her grandson was blown to bits by a bomb.

Onlookers expressed disgust and dismay,

But only watched.

Accusations announced, but no serious investigations undertaken.

Now:

Celebrations tinged with sorrow;

Joy stained with tears;

Festivals circumscribed by grief.