Because it was the Feast of the Holy Family Because the Reverend.J.Pathinathan moved the mass one mile inland because the roof was nearer to God Because animals are pious and full of light they obeyed their gorgeous limits They too moved upward toward a higher place Because this December day stirred something the elephants would remember Because the service began late with randomness of delays Because the guest preacher went on and on Because Father James needed to bless each of the 1500 parishioners Because the wind puzzled the trees Because something raw tightened in the strapping waves Because the sea broke like a promise and deadly waters swelled cracking the spines of palm trees just as Father James was blessing the head of Saint Joseph all of Mullaittivu was swept away except for those attending high mass Because many things happen in this world that have already happened somewhere else you cannot go back and rename them They are part of what we own what we lose
St.Peter's Church in Mullaitivu, North East of Sri Lanka has become a permanent place for the widowers, who lost their wives and loved ones in tsunami. [HA]
Sunset behind a graveyard in Mullaitivu district, where 35 year old fisherman Mariyadas Mariyathurai's five family members are buried. His 30 year old wife Amaligres, 12 year old daughter Colastika, 6 year old son Rajeeven, 3 years old son Dhanushan, and 72 year old father Mariyadas were killed by the tsunami. [HA]
Poem Courtesy of "Only the sea keeps: Poetry of the Tsunami"
Gail Ghai, Is a Canadian born poet,conducts workshops for the International Poetry Forum,where she serves on the Associate Board.She also teaches English as a Second Language.Her poetry has appeared in Descant, JAMA, Poet Works and Shenandoah.Awards include a Pushcart Prize nomination and a Henry Clay Frick Scholarship for creative teaching.She is currently completing a collaboration of poetry and art with Pittsburgh artist Robert Qualters.
