"Earth, Water, Sky" A Song for Japan

On this, the 66th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, by the United States, I wish I had a poem or essay or something intelligent to say on the matter. But, all I am today is feeling…feeling the sound, the ash, the shock, the grief--of families forever ruptured and touched by grief.

I think of a hymn that goes "…but other lands, have sunlight to and clover, and skies are everywhere as blue as mine. Oh hear my prayer, thou God of all the nations, a song of peace for their land and for mine."

So, while I have nothing to offer about the events of 66 years ago, I can offer this…

This past March, after the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, I wrote this song while driving in my car through the flat farmland and rolling forests of Ohio. Later, I picked up my guitar for the first time in 15 years or so, grabbed my laptop, and made a recording. It is very rough (I haven't sung in 15 years either) and will likely stay that way for, wisely, I gave up any ambitions of being a singer long ago. Still, it meant a lot to me to work through my feelings via music and I appreciate your listening. (Note: this appeared on Lucky Press's blog in March, but I hadn't put it here yet.)

Photos: All but four of the photos (two stormy sea photos, one with the silhouette of a bird flying, and one with clouds and tiny birds flying high, which are from a stock photo agency) were taken by me.

Please consider a contribution to a reputable charity to help the people of Japan. You can find a list on Charity Navigator at THIS LINK.