The Lion Roars — Remembering February 22, 2011

Recently, I sent out a request for others to share their memories of the Christchurch earthquakes that occurred five years ago. To my pleasant surprise, some have come forward with stories so moving that I felt it was important to share them with the world. Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of the stories sent to me about that day as well as sharing a few of my own. The February 2011 quake changed our lives forever, but has made the city of Christchurch a stronger community.

The Earthquake
by Jennifer Wilson

Like a roaring Lion you ripped through our city,
Devouring, destroying, no mercy, no pity.
Lives shattered, people maimed,
Lives lost, forever changed,
Drowned in fear and despair,
Your mane thick upon the ground,
Destruction all around,
A few seconds...yet so long.
Scars, etched in our memories will live on.

About the poet:

Jennifer Wilson was born in Christchurch and finished her education at Avonside Girls High. In 2012, she published her first book, describing how one woman sheltered and protected her children from her husband's devastating bi-polar illness. For the past two years, she has hosted a children's program on local radio, where she presents many of her stories. Jennifer is currently working on her next book which she hopes to publish this year.

If you have a story that you would like to share, I want to hear it. Visit here for more information on Project Share Your Stories.