Literal translation for this proverb could be: “Pile of woods does not laugh at ash.”

In some areas in Haiti, people use pieces of wood to make fire so that they can cook. For some people, it is an alternative way for cooking but for some others, it is what they always have. Therefore we know that ash is the result of burning piece of woods. Any piece of wood can become ash if fire takes it.

Haitian people say this proverb when a vulnerable person is laughing at others’ misfortune, ignoring that the same could have happened to him or he could be a victim of the same situation if his situation remains the same. 

Instead of criticizing others when something wrong happens to them, we should pray for them and be compassionate.