Tsunami

Aceh, Sumatra – 26^th December 2004

There is always

calm before a storm.

This day dawns fine,

but six miles deep

the sea floor heaves.

Divers near the rocks

see fevered shoals

burst in disarray

and those who watch

the sea recede

just stand and stare,

their thin cries seized

by rearing cliffs

of foaming surf.

  * * * *

Among the lost,

a tiny girl dragged

by waves,

half drowned;

tossed as debris

on to remote shores...

then ten years on,

found; a gift held fast            

in her mother’s arms –

and grief  is quenched by joy.

 

© Sue Burley

On 10^th August, 2014, it was reported that Raudhatul Jannah (now aged 14) was returned to her parents, after being recognised on Banyak Island, approx 25 miles from the West Aceh coast.