Ribbons Of Black And Gold

Oh black billed magpie, why do you weep on
Korean shores?
"My children have gone beyond the waves,
and will not return."  It replied.  "Sorrow now
consumes my land."

Ribbons of black and gold hang from
Rose Of Sharon stems.

This is the beginning of the great tribulation.

At sea, children wait in darkened rooms,
and slanted floors.

"I miss my mom."  The school girl said,
glaring out the sealed window, as her best
friend weeps beside her.  "I hope she will
forgive me.  For my new clothes are ripped
and reek of the sea."

In the crowded room next door, two young
lovers are alone to themselves.  Tying their
life jackets together, they repeat to each
other, "Wherever you go, I will follow."
For them, there will be no goodbye,
only an intermission between acts.

Tilting.  Drowning.  For those left
aboard, darkness, and then rest.

In Ansan, dust collects on tear stained
desks, and dying flowers.  While a wall
of photographs are gazed upon by
swollen crimson eyes.
Voices once loud and strong, have become
a distant echo of a parents memory.