The Rattle

First there was silence
Then the ocean stirred
Rough motion of the waves
Like a hungry shark
On the walls of white water
Shadows of death are crawling

The shore is empty
The sky above casts light
On the fire of crematorium
The ocean wind
From which an echo like a lament
Carries the scent of salt and dead fish

Villages, which are no more
Surrounded by white fog
Of sighs and sorrow
A woman raises her hands
As if she was praying for the children
Only a rattle lies in a puddle
Cast on the shore

December 2004 (tsunami disaster)