Questions with No Answers - by Edwin Maher

We wished them a life that opened their eyes and the doors beyond town and farm.

One that would offer a chance to explore the beauty of their beloved Sichuan.

As we grew older, we passed on our wisdom, hoping it would take root and flourish in their very soul.

We wanted them to be happy - that was our primary goal.

But the journey was halted in a moment which came far too soon.

None of us knew the pain and anguish from inside your bleeding womb.

With two minutes to half past two, your agony brought deafening sounds.

Your hell, your fury knew no bounds, a ghastly sight across villages and towns.

We see your scars, now you can see ours - what anguish, what sadness, a nation cries.

Three days of mourning give strength to a bond than no earthquake can break - do not think otherwise.

The pain, the wounds are terrible to endure, your waters have become our tears.

Whether they can ever dry, is something we will not know for years.

Our motherland and all those who inhabit your world share this unspeakable grief.

We accept you are too tired to give us answers in the search for our minds' relief.

We will rest with you, Mother Earth - peace and quiet is not far away.

It is the dear ones left behind who must face each new day.

Our bodies may be still but our spirits are not apart.

As we sleep in peace, we continue to live - deep within each heart!

Editor:Xiong Qu