WHEN THE EARTH TREMBLES

In a jungle, the tiger roared;

Up in the sky, an eagle soared.

From low and high they fed on boars,

But now their heads hang upon our doors.

The hunter does not hang his head in shame,

Instead he feeds upon his game.

He shot the deer, that to him came

It could not run, for it was lame.

Alas!! There stands a city instead,

Where once that mighty jungle bred.

And left there is, none to blame!

Remember, now when the earth will tremble

Our pretty city will for sure crumble!

MOTHER

Sixteen years ago, you were
In an operation theater
Willing to bear the pain to
Bring out a new one into this world.

A small boy with a toothless grin
Would intoxicate you like a glass of gin.
He would give you joy; you’d think,
“I wish I could understand you, my little boy.”

But don’t you see, mother?
You always understand me.
You’re ne’er to busy with another;
In fact for me, you’re always free.

‘Tis I mother, who never understood
‘Tis I, who was never always good.
And yet mother, I blamed you;
You took it all, false or true.

And through it all you loved me,
Whether or not, mother, I loved you.
You set my spirit out free
A skill I learned, nay, you taught me.

Through this simple verse, mother
I express my love for you:
You must know that this at least, is true.