International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons – 2010-08-06 00:30:46
http://www.icanw.org
Hiroshima Day Poem
Sherwood Ross (Based on John Hersey’s Book)
Hiroshima
I am the Reverend Kiyoshi Tanimoto
A graduate of Emory College, Atlanta,
Pastor of the Methodist Church of Hiroshima
I was in a western suburb when the bomb struck
Like a sheet of sunlight.
Fearing for my wife and family
I ran back into the city
Where I saw hundreds and hundreds fleeing
Every one of them hurt in some way.
The eyebrows of some were burned off
Skin hung from their faces and hands
Some were vomiting as they walked
On some naked bodies the burns had made patterns
Of the shapes of flowers transferred
From their kimonos to human skin.
Almost all had their heads bowed
Looked straight ahead, were silent
And showed no expression whatever.
Under many houses I heard trapped people screaming
Crying for help but there were none to help
And the fire was coming.
I came to a young woman holding her dead baby
Who pleaded with me to find her husband
So he could see the baby one last time.
There was nothing I could do but humor her.
By accident I ran into my own wife
Both she and our child were alive and well.
For days I carried water and food to the wounded and the dying.
I apologized to them: “Forgive me,” I said, “for not sharing your burden.”
I am the Reverend Kiyoshi Tanimoto
Pastor of the Methodist Church of Hiroshima
I was in a western suburb when the bomb struck
Like a sheet of sunlight.
The above poem is based on the content of the book “Hiroshima” by John Hersey.
Sherwood Ross is a Miami-based reporter and publicist. Reach him at sherwoodr1@yahoo.com
Global Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day Events:
Events: August 6 and 9
ICAN — International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons
Click Here to find actions in:
Australia, Austria, Canada, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, UK and the USA.
Florida
Join us to honor the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on this 65th remembrance of the use of atomic weapons and to work toward nuclear disarmament. This spiritual evening blends Catholic and Buddhist ceremonies, a special performance by Fushu Daiko, interactive art, a petition to demand zero nuclear weapons, and more.
Where: St Maurice Church, 2851 Stirling Rd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
When: 7pm
Contact: Ray @ 754-423-0051 or Linda @ 305-801-0245
Oregon
Citizen Action Toward a Nuclear Free World — Remebering Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Speakers, information displays, and music to honor the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Where: Ashland Public Library and Downtown on the Plaza, Oregon
When: August 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th
Contact: joshua.david.thorpe@gmail.com
New York
Pax Christi Metro New York’s Hiroshima/Nagasaki Memorial including photo exhibition, discussion led by Sr. Jean Fallon, MM, who lived in Japan for over 20 years and prayers for nuclear abolition.
Where: Casserly Hall, St. Joseph’s Church, Washington Place & Sixth Avenue, Greenwich Village.
When: 2.30pm, Sunday August 8
Contact: nypaxchristi@igc.org
California
Annual Peace Lantern Ceremony. Hundreds of paper lanterns will be created and set afloat on Aquatic Park’s waters to mark Hiroshima Day.
Where: San Francisco Bay Area. North end of Aquatic Park, Berkeley, California. Foot of Addison St.; Two blocks west of 4th; Just south of University Avenue.
When: 6:30-9PM
Contact: lanterns@ProgressivePortal.org Voice mail: (510) 595-4626
ACTION: If you know of other events to add to the US list, please contact info@icanw.org.
