From a distance,
you assured us everything is fine now
but reality be damned, we’re not.
From a distance,
you told us not to worry
but all day long, we’ve been nothing but distracted.
Because we’re not there
our hearts bleed faster
for kindred lost and laughter silenced.
Because we’re not there
we feel so obsolete
for neither hand nor sweat can we lend.
But no matter how damaged we become
our resilience and spirit will live on.
Because you’re not here
our love for our land grows fonder
with every pain and suffering we share with you.
Because you’re not here
the hellish nightmare you faced
intensified a hundredfold for us in this distant abyss.
From a distance,
we mourn every death, a newlywed, a student, a daughter, a Gooner,
everyone… because our love is of an undying one.
From a distance,
our words are meek but our prayers are strong,
Rest in peace to all the victims, we're very much with you all.
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Dedicated to all the victims of today’s horrific landslide caused by the pre-monsoon cyclonic rains right in the heart of Aizawl, just a few minutes walking distance from my house.
And the pain intensifies even further when you don’t know the victims personally but you find out some of them have been your Facebook friends all along.
Rest In Peace. And prayers to all those in Mizoram because it looks like the hurricane is only just starting to intensify! :(
**************
[Photos courtesy misual.com and various Facebook groups]
