Member Poem

                “Light of the world return to us.
                Return us to thy Kingdom.”
                “Column of fire guide us
                from the desert.”
                “Saviour keep us all from Hell.”
And the Light of the world
returned to us as fire-light
burning the world as It greeted us.
Columns of fire led three-thousand
from the desert where
they built their homes.
But the forest was turned to Hell.
The road to Canaan was destroyed.
                “Part the ocean that we may flee
                and let it fall back upon our enemy;
                Pharaoh follows close behind”
driving our machines,
inhabiting our factories.
And the ocean fell upon us,
parted us, flipped our chariots
and our machines;
destroyed our homes and factories.
Trees prostrate themselves
before the glory of the King,
the glory of Thy breath.
Palm branches line the streets.
                “Lord, with Thy light
                don’t guide Knysna anymore.
                Lord, breath no more light
                into the weary Cape.
                Lord, the sea needs
                no encouragement.
                I pray, God, leave us
                to our healing.”

Notes:

South Africa is currently facing threefold disaster: a severe drought has left many dams empty leaving us with very little water. Recently a massive storm struck the southern Cape, destroying informal settlements as well as other infrastructure. Lightning (or arson as is being investigated) from the storm struck the town of Knysna causing a fire which has burnt down the natural forest (one of South Africa’s jewels) inhabited by many unique species as well as 150 houses, hospitals, schools, shops, etc., leaving 10 000 homeless, many injured and some dead. The fire spread to the neighbouring town, Pietermaritzburg, destroying some infrastructure there as well.