Trusting In Protective Modern Sea Walls Poem by Terence George Craddock (Spectral Images and Images Of Light)

modern Japan trusting in God science
trusting in protective modern sea walls
but modern sea walls too low are built
built to height of smaller 1960 tsunami

walls failed to protect new coastal towns
in Japan's destructive recent huge tsunami
sweeping way communities once built right
to sea water's edge trusting in sea walls built

designed built after deadly small 1960 tsunami
ignoring hundreds of ancient tsunami markers
stone tsunami warnings hundreds dot coastline
'If an earthquake comes, beware of tsunamis'

modern Japan this time heed ancient wisdom
ancestors in earlier generations left warnings
'Octopus Grounds' are places sea life washed
up by tsunami gives warnings naming temples

after powerful tsunami waves gives warnings
stone markers warned of danger to coastal lives
'Always be prepared for unexpected tsunamis.
Choose life over your possessions and valuables.'

people trusting in protective modern sea walls
did not listen after earthquake people went back
to their homes to collect valuables all got caught
in choosing possessions riches lives were lost


Copyright © Terence George Craddock