Desolation had wracked the peaceful countryside.
The streets had been stained; people had cried.

All over the city crushed buildings had citizens confined.
Poorly constructed structures collapsed, many concrete-lined.

Under great piles of debris, many families lay injured.
Walls and ceilings had their bodies, securely adhered.

Tremors rumbled; unstable partitions shook uncontrollably.
Death reigned supreme in Chinese neighborhood, tragically!

The earthquake left thousands dead, others entrapped in the remains.
Picks and shovels clanged, whistles shrilled on rescue cranes.

Heirloom photograph lay in dirt, memory of another time long ago.
Broken by the crowds, moving desperately, their anxiety does grow.

Shards of Ming vases, priceless heirlooms finally came to rest.
Nothing is sacred, an earthquake puts all to the most critical test.

Poetry's Archive

Archives

Assignments

Instructions