Ten years since the tsunami
broke upon Japan
tearing apart families
not all saved, who ran:
on this day a tear
for his daughter ten years gone
wishing she was here.
© Experimentsinfiction 2021, All Rights Reserved
This morning I read about the ten-year anniversary of the tsunami which hit Japan costing 18,500 lives and triggering a nuclear meltdown at Fukushima. In particular, I was moved by the heartbreaking story of one man who lost his daughter because her school was not evacuated in time.
Grace is hosting at dVerse tonight and has asked us to write a Seguidilla. As it is syllabic, even though it was invented in Spain, I thought of haiku and of Japan. This is how I arrived at the above poem.
Image by Gudrun Becker from Pixabay
Experiments in Fiction 
You have captured the essence of this sad story so beautifully through this personal insight and focus. Must check out this poetic form too!
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I think it will suit your poetic voice very beautifully!
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Love this… I think because of the nuclear accident we have forgotten the victims who actually died in the wave. Glad you brought it up.
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Thank you Björn. Though the meltdown was potentially very dangerous, the wave has taken far more lives, so far at least.
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Yes, so touching to read this story. Can’t believe its been 10 years. Thank you for putting this in poetic form of sequidilla.
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A heartwrenching catastrophe told so eloquently, Ingrid! I can’t believe so much time has passed! You have put it in the Seguidilla form so well! 💝💝 Let us observe a moment of silence for the ones taken by tsunami.
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Agreed 🙏
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Your poem flows smoothly and I know the tears are flowing for this lost little forever a girl.
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For sure they must still be.
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No doubt this anniversary marks the grief of many who lost loved ones then. Good write.
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Thank you Beverly.
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Ten years. Poignant and powerful
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Thank you 🙏
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Of course, I remember the event but had no idea of the anniversary.
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I wouldn’t have either, I was just skimming the headlines yesterday morning.
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Nice homage to such a tragedy, and yes, the 5s and 7s are somewhat haiku-ish and fit very well for the event you described.
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Thanks Ron.
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what a beautiful poem showing tribute to this poor man’s loss and to all the families in Japan!
Great job and love it as it reminds me of a long ( 2 paragraph Haiku) which I think I could handle.
xo💖
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You should definitely try it! Thanks Cindy 😊
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I better put the directions in my note.. no doubt it will be a version of.. Lol 🤣
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👌
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The event was totally tragic
and individually traumatic
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It certainly was. It must be such a shock to witness the raw power of nature. We forget how powerful she is at our peril.
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Nature is definitely beyond our control 😊🍃
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This is sad and beautiful Ingrid!
I got a bit surprised this morning reading it was already a decade ago. I remember so clearly when it happened and how much it brought back memories of fearing nuclear disaster after the Chernobyl catastrophe happened. That one hit close to home in the Nordics, and I think they can still measure the isotopes of it in the most northern parts.
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This is sad and beautiful Ingrid!
I got a bit surprised this morning reading it was already a decade ago. I remember so clearly when it happened and how much it brought back memories of fearing nuclear disaster after the Chernobyl catastrophe happened. That one hit close to home in the Nordics, and I think they can still measure the isotopes of it in the most northern parts.
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I remember Chernobyl too, they were worried about particles of radiation falling in the rain over my region (which gets a lot of rain). My mum made me wear a plastic bag when we went cycling!
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A powerful tribute! Prayers for that father and all those who have suffered. 🙏
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Thank you Tricia 🙏
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It was a heartbreaking event 😢 Beautifully written Ingrid.
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Thanks Christine 🙏
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Ingrid, you are such a kind, sensitive soul. This moved me.
-David
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Thank you for your kind words David.
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Ten years! Unbelievable. Such sadness and trauma for those impacted by that heartbreaking day. Your thoughtful poem reminds us that for many, the heartbreak and loss felt ten years ago, still exists today. 💔
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I also thought of haiku when I saw the syllable count for the sequidilla, Ingrid, and like the haiku, this form also captures a moment. I like the way your poignant sequidilla inhabits both past and present through the man’s grief.
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Thank you Kim. I suppose grief travels with us when we lose loved ones.
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Very poignant!
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Thank you 🙏
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a lovely and loving tribute :)
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Thank you 😊
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It does have a Japanese flavor–I’ve noticed it in everyone’s poems. A sad day–many articles in the papers here too. (L
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I listened to a podcast of this recently. A beautiful post and touching syllabic poetry
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This is so touching, Ingrid.
Sending love.
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Thank you so much Gabriela: wishing you a wonderful weekend!
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Cannot imagine a deeper pain for the gentleman who lost his school age daughter …. your poem is a fitting tribute to him all who lost loved ones. Brava.
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Such a week for difficult anniversaries.
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that story touched me too … I have no idea of the tsunami as I was in closed retreat. I was asked to do prayers for many people and countries but I could not imagine the devastation. Now covid wreaks many lives just in another way …
Think you nailed the format Ingrid, I like your version!
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Thank you Kate.
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the overall message was beautifully relayed in your poem ! stellar work !
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Thank you!
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You have made very good use of this short form. Very poignant and a fitting tribute to those who lost loved ones. Heart wrenching.
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Thank you 🙏
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