Sad and shocking times
, This beautifully written poem by D.Johnstone really sums up what has happened and the feelings of virtually all the residents of New Zealand, particularly those living in Christchurch. It was a dreary, drizzly start to the day, but welcome rain was a positive sign. I was teaching in the morning, came home and sat outside to have a very late lunch. The peace was shattered by the constant sound of sirens and then helicopters flying overhead, but I thought it might have been a false alarm at the airport. How I wish it had been. I was unaware of the panic and chaos unfolding only 10 minutes away until I received a text from Mark asking where I was and if I was okay. Suddenly, the news was everywhere and city buildings were in lockdown and residents advised to lock doors and stay inside. This, in my beloved Christchurch, The Garden City, so peaceful, friendly and 'safe'. Words cannot describe how I, and my friends felt at that time. Memories of the esrthquakes came flooding back...