Monday, May 24, 2010

Magpie 15-The tragic storm



Alone, afraid, and in awe, she sat by the water's edge.  There really was nowhere else; the water seemed to be everywhere.  It hit hard and fast without warning.  The storm had come and gone and with it went her home, her family.  People were scattered everywhere; some walking aimlessly, others injured and immobile.  Many not alive.  Many looking like dead fish sprawled across the tormented sand.  Her young eyes had never witnessed such devastation.

She was used to living with little means and little food; their home barely with a roof.  But she had been raised with her little sister and baby brother knowing no difference.  Her household was full of love and laughter.  Now tears fell from her face as she realized that was all gone.  She was barely seven and alone.  Gone was her home and her family.

Afraid to move, scared to stay put, she sat there trembling, crying.  Others stepped over and around her, yelling out names she didn't recognize, crying for help.  The chaos made her sink deeper into her mind to a place she could hide away.  The screams, pleas for help, and cries of agony and loss too much for her ears to bare.  And then, a stranger kneeling in front of her speaking softly with comforting words.  The kind stranger-lady took her by the hand, led her to a half fallen hut, and covered her with a woven blanket.  She sat there with about twenty other parent-less children, her mind circling around an unknown future.




I happened across this video today when I couldn't get this song out of my head.  It became the inspiration for this story.  I can't even imagine the fear and pain many children (in our country and the poor countries) suffer with tragedy or even just the rotten cards life deals them.  I wish I could save them all!

*if you want to learn more about magpie tales, click the link next in "Challenges I Love"

10 comments:

  1. i knew where this one was going but i was caught in teh current and could not escape...ah, you stirred my emotions with this one...so nicely written...

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  2. Nicely written is right! We tend to forget
    the important events happening and need someone like you to remind us to not only count our blesings but to continue to reach out and help.

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  3. Unfortunately, this is the eternal plight through the ages. It is for those who are able, to step forward and help, never stop..thank you..
    Well done..

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  4. oh caty! i have never seen the watw25 until today but it was just as stirring as the original. you're right, it is heart breaking to realize that those who had near to nothing, now have nothing at all. your words held the pain of one of those children, a stunning portrayal of a tiny grain of sand on a beach that seemingly never ends...it was beautiful, full of pain, and hope. this was an outstanding post, caty!

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  5. Beautiful and touching. Thank you.

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  6. Well written reminder. Heartbreaking.

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  7. I love the pictures we can paint with words and you have a masterpiece.

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  8. The faces of suffering children stay with me wherever I go. So touching, your writing.

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  9. Thanks everyone for all the really nice comments!

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