PHOENIX...a song/poem for Haiti

I see Lionel Ritchie and friends are going to do a re-make of "We are the World" for a Haiti relief fundraiser. Although I heartily applaud the sincerity and sentiment behind the project I can't help but wonder why these folks can't write a NEW song?

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2010/01/23/wearetheworld-haiti.html

PHOENIX

1

From shackles and struggles
and a terrible past
like a phoenix they rose from
their trouble and ash
But the world turned its back
on their defiant stand
took their timber and left them
a poor broken land

2

Now the hurricanes howl
and the earth rumbles loud
they lie buried in rubble
in a gray dusty shroud
They're hurting and hungry
and we must understand
side by side with their Pride
we can rebuild their land

( chorus )

So lift high your hammers, your saws
and your hands
Haiti needs help now from many
far lands
Help her rise from her knees
and wipe off the dust
Help her spirit rebuild through
our love and her trust

3

We watch their forlorn faces
on every Network screen
The haunted eyes..impassioned cries
a wounded child screams
But in their dark and troubled hearts
they still can sing and dream
We will assist their calloused hands
that clamour thru the rubble
Embrace their tears..allay their fears
and aid them in their trouble

4

They've born the brunt of fickle fate
for oh so many years
Turmoil, Disease and Tempest strong
have brought them trials and tears
They struggle now with burden rough
with each day as it passes
With faith and Friends they'll rise again
a Phoenix from sad ashes

Lift high your hammers, saws and hearts
and start again anew
With many hands from many lands
we've come to stand with you
With bandaged wounds among the ruins
we'll start a daunting task
to heal your scars and reach the stars
it's all that God would ask

Andy Mathisen Jan 23rd 2010

Here are two touching videos with stirring songs;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pac-wULXuxM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsdp4MUVXvg

Thanks to Bruce & Gina etc