The h2g2 Poem
Created | Updated Sep 12, 2005
The Day The Earth Rang Like a Bell
The day the earth rang like a bell
Wrought utter devastation,
It caused a swell,
An overwhelming avalanche of water
And for thousands, a death knell.
Millions mourn, families torn apart,
Orphans and bereaved parents; partners lost in a flash.
Watching the news with a broken heart,
Moved to send a cheque or cash
Anything to feel that we have helped
The day after the earth rang like a bell.
Candles lit, silence reigns,
Trying to find survivors.
Young or old, colour or creed, man or woman,
No distinction, fate decrees - all takes them all.
The sea gives up the dead
All hope lost, prayers are said
On the first day of the New Year,
A week after the earth rang like a bell.
Blair stays on holiday, he's 'earned his rest'
'They're doing a good job without me and anyway
Those affected aren't members of the EU'
But Mr Blair
May I remind you
They are members of the human race
And so are you.
The man who found his brother, identified by his watch;
The couple who carried their dead babies, their own eyes awash;
The man who lost 23 of his family;
The children's playground hurled for miles;
The orphanage wiped out.
Life will go on, hearts will be healed,
The human spirit survives.
Compassion from strangers never ceases to amaze
It could have been us, they say
They dig deep in their pockets
And put Governments to shame.
Amazing stories from survivors tell,
Heroes who gave their all and fell,
Helping others to live on in their place,
Their spirit and sacrifice will live on
Years after the day the earth rang like a bell.