As Though the Earth Groaned

As though the earth groaned
Under the bondage of sin
Everywhere the land moaned
And changed its face therein

Cities once high...bent low
Some dropped into the sea
All that was flat arose
This happened so quickly

It started with a storm
One as never before known
The first month on the fourth
To all people signs were shown

A prophet had said there would be darkness
For three days... when Jesus died
But no one anticipated they would witness
Destruction on every side

A great and terrible tempest arose
Creating massively shaking thunder
As around...lightening flashed to expose
The dividing of land all asunder

The city of Moroni sank into the sea
And all of its inhabitants were drowned
Another city took fire from lightening
As naught was heard but quaking sounds

Highways and roads were broken up
Buildings fell...unable to tremble with their weight
Many smooth places became rough
And people were crushed to a terrible fate

There were some carried away in a whirl wind
And wither they went to...no man knew
Nor could they say where they themselves were
As even great rocks rent in twain and flew

All this took place in three hours
When suddenly..the noise and commotion stopped
Then...for a final display of God's powers
A thick vapor of darkness just dropped

All around there was not a glimmer
Nor could any light strike to be made
As dry wood would not catch fire
For three days this darkness cloaked and stayed

Midst mourning, howling, and weeping
That went on continually
The sun, moon, stars seemed to be sleeping
And naught went on habitually

In one place people were heard to say:
"If only we had chosen to repent!
Our loved ones would be here today...
For we killed the prophets God had sent!"

It came to pass while crying was heard
And the third day had finally ended
Among all, on this corner of the earth
The Lord's voice from the heavens descended

He spoke of the great cities destroyed
To end abominations before His face
How the devil laughed and His angels rejoiced
Because once fair sons and daughters were naught to embrace

The blood of Saints and Prophets would cry no more
He named cities the people had known and enjoyed
He spoke of iniquities that openly out poured
And the diverse ways they were now destroyed

For all who were spared...He invited
Them to repent, be converted, and come
To His arms of mercy extended
Promising them a new chance to become...

3 Nephi 8-9