Washed Ashore: A Guest Post by Sheena Señara

Dear Friend,

Today I'm grateful to host my friend Sheena Señara who blogs from the Philippines at Tabulyogang. I first met Sheena through my comments section. Her cheerful messages here are always a delight. 

Recently when I saw on the news that Sheena's country was about to be pounded by Super-Typhoon Haiyan, I contacted her via email. We stayed in touch over a period of days as she described some of what she was experiencing to me. 

Sheena wrote the following poem in response to the disaster. I'm deeply honored that she has allowed me to post it for you today. 

image source: Tabulyogang

Waves angry,

Washed ashore bottles, and slippers, and toys, and weeds

What delight to see them come here?

Who could have owned these washed up things?

That was of long ago
When other areas were terribly far
And far meant messages sent were received for the next 2-3 days
Where mails were a delight, and not too slow

Now these washed up things meant somebody's terrible loss.
Not that story of a little boy losing his slipper in the sea
Decided to throw the other one hoping for someone to find all two

There is no little boy who owns these washed up things.
These washed up things are not my delight no more.
These washed up things are memories
Memories crying in the dark; wet and cannot breath.

* * *

For the little girl who takes delight in washed up things after every storm, and for the big girl who remembers that little girl.

My name is Sheena Señara. I'm a student. I love writing poems -- especially when I'm overwhelmed with emotions. My nickname's Gang-gang, my parents call me Tabulyo/tabulyogang. 

Let us continue to be in prayer for those affected by the disaster. If you wish to make a donation, Sheena recommends Unicef.  Visit Sheena at Tabulyogang and follow her on Twitter @tabulyo