Quaking Earth and Swirling Water
Written shortly after the 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan on March 11, 2011. Meter is 8.7.8.7 Trochaic. Suggested Tune: RESTORATION ("Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy")
Quaking earth and swirling water
Highways turned to waterfalls
Sweeping people, houses seaward
God of mercy help us all!
Walls of water rushing eastward
Leaving havoc in their wake
Sirens sounding, children crying
God of mercy help us all!
When the waters have subsided
When the earth stops shivering
Move our hearts to offer succor
God of mercy help us all.
Safiyah Fosua