ERIKA: ODE TO DOMINICA

Erika oye-

Is why you so?

Erika oye-

Why you crept over us like that?

Erika: you knew we were not expecting you to destroy us so,

But you left your backside (rump) outdoor.

Erika:

Granny did say that you were a bad girl,

Erika,

You know what?

She was correct!

Your intense crying for hours upon hours way up in the sky;

Your tears collected in our rivers,

Majestic mountains and streams.

Erika oye-

Is why you so?

Erika oye-

All for what?

Well, we came to a theory you know,

Yes Erika!

We said that your boyfriend Danny, that came over us the week before,

Left running from way up East and travelled down North without you-

He left a trail of weather that you became upset about;

Because it obstructed your path.

Erika oye-

Is why you so?

Erika oye-

Yes, You!

Don’t be coy now Erika after you left us in ruins-

You wept without mercy and still did not let up,

You found our nature Isle to be comforting-

Because of our soothing mountains:

Lush vegetation and tranquil waters,

So you remain above us.

Erika oye-

Is why you so?

Erika oye-

You took away defenses, bridges, airports, our homes;

BUT what caused us pain Erika-

Is the fact that you took so many lives-

Over 30 were dead or gone!

The unsettling devastation you left in your wake,

Caused much heartache.

Erika oye-

Is why you so?

Erika oye-

We still have not gotten over you,

Because we know for sure what you did was true,

Our Island stands testimony to this-

People are no longer in sweet bliss-

Now with every passing cloud,

With every single rain drop;

Panic ensues and pins can be heard if dropped.

Erika oye-

Is why you so?

Erika oye-

We are now getting back on our feet,

But still inside we weep.

You have etched your markings in our proud mountains,

It is unbelievable that once roaring rivers now trickle like fountains.

Erika oye-

Is why you so?

Erika oye-

It is unsettling how times have changed-

As you were an historic storm-

We never expected you to happen like that;

But, from now Erika, we are watching our backs!

Times are changing everywhere,

Weather patterns unpredictable;

We say it’s climate change,

But man must shoulder some blame!

We continue to destroy Mother Nature-

Mother earth is crying out-

Pleading, angry at the mouth.

Erika oye-

You’ve taught us well

Erika oye-

Rest assured we are indeed building back-

Ten times stronger and that is a fact!

It is going to take over 20 years,

But from you, we have learnt to face so many fears.

Erika oye-

You’ve taught us well

Erika oye-

It is ironic how you were a blessing in disguise

Some say a curse,

But let nature speak-

Let nature roar its fury through our rivers-

Our pride,

Our joy;

That precious resource we seem to take for granted.

Erika oye-

You’ve taught us well

Erika oye-

I am sure that many lessons have been learnt,

And with pride and dignity:

And reverence,

Yes, and humility too,

We bow at our knees-

Giving thanks for our blessings;

Now we must get up and move mountains

Yes! Rejoice in living!

It is time for healing- uniting and reflecting.

Erika oye-

You’ve taught us well

Erika oye-

Erika oye-

Girl we wish you well,

But please, next time,

Warn us well!!!