“Whispers” – a poem for Haiti by Chaplain Charles Howard
Toussaint L’overture whispers from the other side,
“The media does not know Haiti.
All they can say of us is
‘They are the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere…’
They say, ‘The city is destroyed…The nation is crippled.’
But they forget that a city is not made up of buildings, but it is made up of souls.
That a nation is not simply just land, but rather that a nation is made up of those who walk and live upon that land.
Our National Cathedral has crumbled – but our spirit is still alive.
Our Presidential Palace has fallen – but the Haitian flag has not hit the ground.”
Jean-Jacques Dessalines whispers from the other side,
“Pat Robertson does not know Haiti.
He does not know of the courage God gave us to fight for our freedom.
He does not know of the God-given love it takes to risk one’s life so that her or his children might live without chains.
He does not know of this rich culture that has blessed the world.
He forgets that without Haiti, there would be fewer stars on his nation’s flag.”
The voice of Love whispers from the other side,
“Remember that I said, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
And I reply, “What can I do to help Lord?”
“Why did you not ask that last week? Or last month? Or last year? Help was certainly needed then.” Love asks.
“I was not loving my neighbors as myself…I was just loving myself.” I whisper.
Love says, “It is never too late to love.
Love is more than sharing money.
Love is sharing tears,
Love is sharing time,
Love is sharing yourself.
Go and Love.”
Love whispers from the other side, “Go and Love.”
Perhaps there is a message in the fact that while other things have been destroyed, the airport was not. Buildings
have been grounded, but the people of Ayiti, by God’s grace, will always fly. Go and love!
