Gems Poem by Christopher Okiri

To the heavens we lift tearful eyes for hope
Our hearts beating for the twinkling stars

There is no forgetting this place of rubble
Here buried are treasures dear to hearts
On the heap beneath which are the treasures
Stand the lit candles on a stand, so that
Evermore may those buried shine as stars

Love evermore we will carry in our soul
Out from our heart the flames comes forth
So we place lit candles upon this heap
That the gems buried here repose in light

As comets they made their appearance
They may be gone now, but are not lost

Sapphires, rubies, emeralds- gems buried
Under a heap of rubble, but they still glow
Rest assured we must be of their sanctity
For their dignity is in the universe' keep
Sparks of light liberated from rubble abide
In the bosom that hold the hearts of kings
Diadem flaming on crown of pure gold
Extinguished their flames will never be

Their sparks go up to light the universe
Our hearts go out to them in warmth
We embrace them in our sincere thoughts
Even in the deep darkness of this time
Renewing our hope and will to live with
Strength to clear the rubble… to rebuild