Sandstorm
Chinese International School, Anna Leven, Poetry: Group 3
A new town, excitement, villagers, Coming, approaching, all at once. Children, animals,
running, yelling, Happy to play as they arrive. Camels bearing bags and supplies, Groaning,
swaying, gently walking. Women, dressed in colorful deels, Walking beside their husband’s arm.
Feasting, drinking, laughing, eating Fun, festivity, savor and enjoy. Embers, fire, dancing,
shadows, Telling stories over the campfire. Cooking, roasting, juicy meats, Sheep, goats, cattle and
korkhog. Drinking airag, swallowing, gulping, Feeling drunk on happiness.
Waking late, tired, need sleep,
Morning work, busy and groggy.
Unfinished carcasses, dirty, on the ground, Ashes and scorch marks from the night before.
Dust, cleaning, brushing, washing,
Women working, men asleep.
Snoring gently, unaware, oblivious,
Taken by surprise.
Constantly speaking, shouting, voices, Deafening noises, hurt and pain.
Watching, waiting, silently praying,
Huddled together to protect the young. Rushing over the land, a big blanket,
Stinging, always, happening again.
People, crying, screaming, bawling,
Searching for their loves ones lost in the storm.
All is well, over, finished,
Terror passed, completed and done. Goal achieved, fear indefinite,
The storm has gotten what it wants. Always trying, failing, disappointed, Build, fix, mend and
repair. Forgotten city, covered, concealed, The brutal remains of the sandstorm.
