East of Eden
Earthquakes split (6.4,
7.4), volcanoes feared
In a paradisal land that
Has such virtue in
Nature and humanity
Anger of nature, the
Patron’s rightful wrath
For it has been a place
Of crushing empire, too
Or is it in imitations of
The west, of surrendering
Ancient code, ritual, and
Ceremony to impose
New rule of the
Incorporated world
Residents sleeping inside
Comb-shaped cells like
Unfeeling bee-keeping
Perilous excesses in
Manufacturing and energy
Production, making Japan
Truly like the rest
In the wake of nature’s
Lightning crevassing the
Land in whatever form
Is invoked, attitudes
And disposition are not
Enough to take on
Now
Our neighbors need
And though we might
Cry that we’re not able
Or we are too far
No excuse is enough
Our neighbors need
clcouch123 
April 16, 2016 at 4:44 pm
Wise and well written poem Christopher. I was watching the news about this yesterday. It’s awful and horrible and agree with you that even though we ” Cry that we [are] not able / Or we are too far”/ No excuse is enough.” We make a lot of excuses as society how we can’t help but I think doing anything for people in need is better then nothing. Your last line really brings your poem and message together ” Our neighbours need.” Though Japanese people are far for some of us they are still our neighbours and it is our duty (and we should want to) help the. Another way of saying “Love thu neighbour as yourself,” Awesome job on this piece.
April 17, 2016 at 2:20 am
We are good at making excuses. And even the excuse not to make an excuse. After all, if trouble is far away and I don’t know those folk affected, what is any of that to me? Well, as we know, we can do better. I’ve also come to believe that any number of response is truly worthwhile. Aid groups from many places are in Japan now or on their way. Many will send money. Others will send other things. Still others will keep us informed. And some of us (hopefully, lots of us) will pray. I guess once we decide that our neighbor can be anyone, we can allow ourselves to help in any number of good ways.
Thanks for quoting the verse in your response. That frankly fortifies me in ways that I don’t realize, beforehand. And I’m delighted to read how much what is here is complementary to your own attitude toward others. You’re a good neighbor and good friend.
April 17, 2016 at 3:17 am
Thank you for the compliment Christopher. I’m glad the verse strengthened you. Really wonderful piece. I’m excited to see more of your poetry and comments on current events.
April 18, 2016 at 8:03 am
Always wise, always moving. Your take on current events is just so admirable, Christopher. And these lines, creep me in a good way:
In the wake of nature’s
Lightning crevassing the
Land in whatever form
Is invoked, attitudes
And disposition are not
Enough to take on
Now
April 20, 2016 at 4:52 pm
Thank you, Rosema, for affirming my responding to what’s happening. It’s a way to contribute helpfully, I hope. And those lines are creepy, aren’t they? In disaster, our differing opinions should be set aside. Of course, they should be set aside in placid times as well.
April 20, 2016 at 6:32 pm
I think your words help. Because you create awareness and share intelligence. 🙂