Zephaniah Trust

"taking light into dark corners"

Open Letters

SONG - OPEN LETTERS

The Shy Lady of Negros weeps,

Hides her face and cries,

Weeps for her children suffering at her feet.

Can you say, in your heart, you’re surprised?

Mr Simon, in your song you state

That an island never dies

Solid, strong it feels no pain

Stands above the lies.

But when the bad times call

Will memories make a shield?

Can poetry protect at all?

It’s each other we all need.

And the Shy Lady of Negros weeps…

Mr Donne, you imply as you preach,

That an island stands alone,

Of itself, entire, complete

Sufficient on its own;

If no man can, how can a land

Survive without the aid

Of friends who care who lend a hand

Whose friendship will not fade?

And the Shy Lady of Negros weeps…

Mr President, in your bank you keep

A long account of debt,

Forgiving nothing, claiming all,

Every penny you can get

And unconditional’s not a word

That’s in your book of rules,

And poverty you think reserved

For idiots and fools.

And the Shy Lady of Negros weeps…

Father, in your word you say

We should act justly in your world

Show mercy to the ones you love

And help your kingdom come to birth.

Give us grace to pass on grace,

Share wealth in terms of trade,

And bring some healing to the places

Where evil ones once preyed.

And the Shy Lady of Negros weeps,

Hides her face and cries,

Weeps for her children suffering at her feet.

If she explodes one day, would you be surprised?

John Froud

Copyright © 2005 Zephaniah Music

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