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Ruins

I always wanted to be strong,

Didn’t know nothing about weakness,

That you don’t measure it of tears,

But of helplessness.


The snow, the ruins,

The blood and the pain

Are biting in our

Broken heart.


My children are fine:

Healthy, have faith, a piece of art.

Yours are dead or traumatised:

Humanitarian aid is formalised.


The father is crying for God -

That is how the pain bursts.

The mother freezes to death under stones,

Her blue baby not all too far - no one mourns.


We want to donate, we want to get there,

I am ashamed for who I am.

For am I not a part of this whole greed?

Corruption, abuse and inflation,

the Grammys sing: Love is all we need!


Industrials are poisoning without any punishment,

Politicians follow them like a sheep - establishment.

We are taken hostage by democracy,

Are tweeting and twerking in frivolity.


Brothers and sisters in Syria and Turkey,

My heart breaks in two: it is not over yet !

Earth is trembling and bombs are cracking,

But the rich, they want to bring it further !

Their teeth are golden for their joyful laughter

Because Europe is on sale - a true murder !


I always wanted to be strong,

Didn’t know nothing about weakness,

That you don’t measure it of tears,

But of helplessness.


Still are echoing grateful „Allah Akbar !"

When they saved a man.

Already life’s countdown is bringing big worries:

The earthquake lies in the past,

But ruins don’t give security.

International help is helping with helpful stories,

When rain is falling down on the fire place.


Unfortunately, you don’t understand

This poem’s language.

You are starving, cold and furrowed,

Praying because calm is borrowed.


I am also a foreigner to your countries,

Nevertheless, I feel our bond;

I send you my angel every night

So that he is watching over you with his light,

So that his love is giving you strength

and shines bright.


I am sending you my angel,

Because I can’t do no more,

Except writing these lines

And let the day rest.


I always wanted to be strong,

Didn’t know nothing about weakness,

That you don’t measure it of tears,

But of helplessness.


I am kissing the saved and honour the dead.

Let’s hold each other and forbid numbness.

Let’s hold each other tight to heal your wounds.

May your children walk on peaceful grounds.


Let’s hold each other in the years to come,

Nothing should shake you ever again.

No bitterness shall enter your heart.

Let’s hold each other in the years to come.

When we visit each other it won't be dark.

Let’s hold each other in remembrance of death

And let’s watch the dogs paws in the heath.


(Poem translated from German into English, the original title is "Trümmer")


© Manou Fines

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