Lac Megantic
ten years on
Fire on the water, the waves ablaze,
and the sound, a monster, indestructible,
a dragon descending, breathing fire,
so swift, so powerful, come sudden
from nowhere, yet another disaster,
one of the many that torment us
now and then with its ravage and roar.
It refused to move on until sated – but
who could satisfy the monster’s hunger,
destroy its will, defeat its power?
Not us with our pitiful sacrifices,
homes, friends, family, devoured.
In spite of our efforts to rebuild,
nothing can ever be the same.
Ten years later, memories, grief,
and our tears are all that remain.
Yes, it has left, but what can we do
to stop it, if, and when, it comes again?
Comment: I wrote this poem on July 6, 2023, while listening to the CBC radio commentary on the tenth anniversary of the Lac Megantic disaster. A terrible event, it still haunts so many people, and yes, the fears, tears, grief, and memories linger on. How could they not?
Painting – Poppies – by Clare Moore.
rogermoorepoet 
It’s hard to “like” a poem about such a horrific tragedy, but you wrote it so well. I hope you are doing well my friend ☺️
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I was listening to the radio and could hear the agony in the eye-witness’s voice. The poem just flowed from her words, embellished slightly, as all poets tend to do. Alas – little has been done regarding the safety of the railways, and we are still getting accidents, though none of such a horrific nature recently. Thanks for being such a regular visitor and commentator. All best wishes.
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