One of my haiku friends shared a link on her Facebook wall, but it’s been removed from YouTube now. Some things I didn’t know. Some things I’d forgotten. Even after almost a year, the impact of the event is stunning. These children, their families, whole communities–they will never forget.
What do you remember?
The Nahmias Cipher Report posted a brief article today on continued coping in Japan.
Here is a slide show of before/after pictures.
And more anniversary coverage here.
so many
hands tone bells–prayer clasped
my heart sounds
Image via Wikipedia
Shiteki Na Usagi 
A terrible tragedy. Very scary when it was happening. Very sad indeed.
Eric Alagan,
I can only imagine. Last year there was a quake on the eastern coast in the states. I felt it where I live, at first thinking our washing machine was off kilter (it will sometimes shake the room if it is). Then I realized I wasn’t hearing anything, just feeling the bed sway back and forth. Very eerie. Thank you for taking the time to remember and comment.
I felt the quake while I was living there last year. It wasn’t anywhere near as strong as some places, but I remember it feeling so incredibly surreal, like my legs were giving way, I felt nauseous too.
It was tough seeing my friends that were caught up in it struggle through. Luckily no one I knew was hurt, but it was a harrowing experience to witness, feel, and be exposed to. The following morning, a speakerphone van drove around my neighbourhood offering words of comfort and encouragement; it was rather touching seeing people band together in the way they did.
I can’t believe it’s been a whole year already…
Eve Redwater,
Thank you for sharing your experience. It is hard to watch things like this film and look at these photos, knowing there is so little I can do. I listened to a report on Minamisoma (I think), and how they are beginning rebuilding with a new plan. Some like it–it brings in industry and moves residences up into the hills. Others think that preserving traditional businesses would be better, though I’m sure the changes in residence location are probably still recognized as wise. A year…yes, it is hard to believe. I’ve thought about it often, having some contact with a few people in Japan (mainly bloggers). I am just saddened by the huge loss of life, especially the children. Thank you for reading and sharing with me.
such horror and such terrible loss and sadness. It will never leave us. And there is so much to still be done. I liked your poem.
Raven,
I’ve seen/read/heard in several places where it will take ten years to clean everything up. Staggering really. I rather liked the poem too, though it seems a bit awkward in the wording. Still the heart in it is the important part for me. Thank you for taking a look at this post.
Crazy stuff. Unreal. Your piece is very apt
Luke Prater,
Thank you for coming over and taking a look. I realize that there are catastrophes all around the world, but some grip us stronger than others. This was the one for me. I remember being so stunned when my husband (of all people) called to tell me it had happened. Thank you for letting me share this with you.
It seems like longer than a year ago, we’ve been able to distance it from our minds, but those who lost so much are still struggling. I’ll watch the video with a full box of kleenex, bless you, Yousei for reminding us all…
Roxie,
I agree with the distancing. If I didn’t have such an obsession with Japan, I probably would have overlooked the day, though I knew it was approaching. Do watch it. It was very well made and thought-provoking. Thank you for the visit and comment.
Even now, it is so heartbreaking to see what they went through. This video through the eyes of the children is especially heart wrenching. Lives-forever changed.
Jeannie,
Exactly. I’m humbled and yet grateful and still wishing I could do more than pray.