EARTHQUAKE
by Monica Koster (8yrs)

Earthquake! Earthquake!
Shaking... waking
people from their sleeps
buildings breaking
birds are waking
people under beds.
But I just hug my mum and dad
so we can all be safe.

Further to Jeffrey Papmoa Holman's poem earlier in the week, Michele Leggott has now brought the above poem to my attention.

And for Mary Sangster's illustrated poem about the Children's Bookshop in Christchurch link here to Booksellers NZ.

And for poet/writer/educator Harvey McQueen's moving reaction to the earthquake visit his blog here.

And the following good advice from Chris writing in the Dine Out Newsletter:
September 2010 - Gudday from Chris


What a start to the month! The earthquake that has shaken Christchurch and surrounds so dramatically this past week has been a wake-up call for us all to be prepared for an emergency.
If your house were to shake to the ground tomorrow, as mine nearly did on the weekend, how would you cope? Do you have water stored away safely somewhere? Cans of food and medical supplies? Do you even have a battery operated radio, and if you do, what about batteries? And without electricity, do you have a telephone that doesn't require power?
It is a simple, painless and valuable job to pack away a few essentials and hope you never have to use them than to suffer a disaster and regret not getting it done. If you haven't done anything yet, go and fill some old bottles with water from your tap and pop them in the garage. It's a start and may just save your life.

We came off OK, the house seems to have survived and just some new cracks and broken stuff to sort out. We did go and visit Debbie from Sezn on Saturday, and she had a very different story. I did a wee write-up about it but the words and photos do not do justice to the devastation she has suffered. However, they are a strong and tight-knit crew, and I'm confident that they will reopen again somewhere (soon I hope!)

Our best wishes go out to all those who have lost something in this quake and we are deeply grateful that there was no loss of life. Go and hug your loved ones now.

Donate to Christchurch Earthquake Appeals

Donate to the Red Cross online or phone 0900 33 200 to make an automatic $20 donation. More options available on their website.

The Christchurch City Mission would also very much like your support to help those who cannot help themselves. Donate online or call 0900 MISSION to make a $20 donation, or attend their Sunday Lunch.