Pacific Tsunami Galu Afi: tsunami poetry

Showing posts with label tsunami poetry. Show all posts

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Conor's Tsunami Poem ( Age 8)

Conor and his family at Lepa school where they spent the night after the tsunami.

T errifying
S amoa
U ltimate
N ature
A ttacking
M onster
I nsane.

(Conor and his family were holidaying at Faofao Beach Fales, Saleapaga on 29/09)

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About the Book

The book was launched on the anniversary of the Sept. 29th tsunami. It is a narrative story that weaves together the experiences of many different people - survivors, rescue and medical workers and others. Work on the project began three weeks after the tsunami, with the interviewing of survivors in affected areas. There are chapters on the experience of survivors in American Samoa and Niuatoputapu. The book includes some photos as well as a listing of those who lost their lives. The book was commissioned by Hans Joachim Keil. The printing of the first edition was funded by the Australian Govt Aid Program.

All profits from the sale of the book will be donated to ongoing tsunami relief/rebuilding in the affected areas.

What is a 'Galu Afi'?

When early visitors asked Samoans why they did not live on the coast, they replied - "Galu afi" Wave of fire.

The term conjures images. Of a scarred shore, all vegetation turned brown with the deadening salt water. A wave that moves like no other. With impossible speed and ferocity. Devastating everything in its path. Before Sept 29/09, most Samoans had not heard of a 'galu afi'. But today, many survivors of the tsunami will tell you that yes, this is what our ancestors must have been speaking of.

"It ran like fire across the land."
"It jumped out of the sea like a hungry beast that wanted to devour us."
"It was an animal that roared."
"The water was hot and it smelled bad."
"It burned all the trees and grass. It left nothing alive."

Where can I buy the book?

In Samoa, the book can be purchased from:
*Samoa Money Exchange
*Plantation House, Alafua
*Samoa Stationery Bookstore, Lotemau Center
*Aggie Greys Gift Shop
*RLS Museum Gift Shop, Vailima
*Ink Patch Stationery & Books.

In American Samoa:
*Island Image Store
*Polynesian Picks, Tafuna Airport
*Forsgren's Store, Nu'uli
In Hawaii:
* Magi Keil, Laie. Ph: (808) 293 5568
In the continental USA books can be ordered online at:
www. keilcreations.com
Amazon.com
In New Zealand and Australia books can be ordered online at:
http://www.wheelers.co.nz/
TradeMe NZ

Or by emailing LaniWendtYoung@hotmail.com for supply and payment details.

Pacific Tsunami Galu Afi

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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Conor's Tsunami Poem ( Age 8)

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