Seeing Own Helplessness In Their Eyes Poem by Mustafa Arar

-In memory of those who lost their lives in the earthquakes in Turkey-

All of a sudden, as the ground cracked layer by layer
By releasing its clouds of light into the sky
Concrete buildings were like swings
In the midst of screams, pleadings, prayers
There was a moment when people saw
Collapsing of their warm homes on themselves

Blind in the dark on top of the ruins
The fluttering of those above with their hands and nails
Waiting for a helping hand of those who are under the ruins
Those far away rushing the roads for help
There was a moment when people saw
Their own helplessness in their eyes

In the midst of concrete and iron ruins
Among those who try to save the people under ruins
There was a moment when people saw
Hearts touching hearts
Hands clasping hands

Among the ruined streets
On the dusty muddy roads
On the final journey of the dead bodies
There was a moment when people saw
The clouds shed their own tears