Like a Phoenix from Ashes

  •   Mon, Apr 11 2011
  •   By Anita Britto, Auckland

April 12, 2011

On the earthquake that struck New Zealand in February 2011



While the tectonic plates in my chest collide

I feel a tightness which doesn't subside

There are feelings of anguish, of fear and despair

While I want to reach out and say that I care

I think of so many we've lost in this quake

Of those buried in rubble, never to awake

We've lost our Cathedral in a beautiful place

And many loved ones, whom we cannot replace

We feel so helpless to be brought to this plight

To be rattled and rocked in such an unfair fight

While our monuments fell, our spirit didn't falter

For we have values as firm as the rock of Gibraltar

We're Kiwis at heart and we did all we could

And helped those who struggled as we tried to do good

While we all have our fault lines, with many a crack

Compassion and kindness, we don’t seem to lack

We all were Crusaders on that fateful day

While we stood to help out without running away

There were acts of kindness which should not surprise

For we're a nation which has many angels in disguise

While I hate politicians I have to concede

That they left no stone unturned in this hour of need

"John" was amazing and he's tried every "Key"

To lift up our spirits in facing this tragedy

As for "English" he's tried to foot every "Bill"

Knowing that for some, it's a hard void to fill

Having "Mark" on board, I'm sure you'll agree

Is a job "Wel don" for he'll oversee

That our city that lies on its knees will rise

With Bob Parker to lead and supervise

Amidst all the debris, amidst all the noise

We all stand united with one Kiwi voice. 

By Anita Britto, Auckland
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Comment on this article

  • Deena Fernandes, Mumbai

    Mon, Apr 18 2011

    Beautifully worded.Too Good.

  • Maisy D,souza,mangalore,

    Fri, Apr 15 2011

    Anita dearest,a very touching one,the words are come from the bottom of your heart as we know how kind you are.You have made right use of your talents given by God.
    The picture itself is heart breaking.
    Sorry for being late in reading,the rest when we speak.
    lots of love to Dexter,Anush,Den & you
    uncle Stany & aunt Maisy

  • Jasintha Bangera, Auckland, NZ

    Fri, Apr 15 2011

    Excellent Anita. Why don't you forward this poem to NZ Herald. Very touching and true. Jessy

  • LIZZIE & MICKEY FONSECA, GOA VIKHROLI / THANE

    Thu, Apr 14 2011

    ANITA,TUSI GREAT HO. JAI HO.MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH ALL MORROWS & TOMMOROWS TO COME.THE POEM REALLY HIT MY HEART AND MELTED MY HEART OF STONE.

  • Carol, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Wed, Apr 13 2011

    Lovely poem Aniti. We cousins are indeed very proud to have you in
    the family. We look forward to seeing more of your talents in the future days to come !

  • Juliana & Melwin, Mangalore/Auckland, New Zealand

    Wed, Apr 13 2011

    Well done Anita!! Indeed poets are born, not made. Keep up the good job!!

  • Edith and Peter rego, Auckland, NZ

    Wed, Apr 13 2011

    Great talent in the family.Poets and actors.Congratulations the poem was well worded.It will touch the heart of every Kiwi.Awesome work.

  • Dr Alwyn Castelino, Auckland

    Wed, Apr 13 2011

    Hi Anita, I think it's a fantastic piece of art. Very appropriate and touching

  • Anjum Monteiro, New Zealand

    Wed, Apr 13 2011

    Thank you Dexter for forwarding this poem to me, truly Anita is awesome its very touching and her words are so true. Anita hope you could start writing some poems for school children it would be a blessing if they grew up with such words of wisdom. Its truly amazing to read such meaningful words,and I can see its from your heart.
    Thank you for sharing this with us.

  • Jyoti Raj, Auckland

    Wed, Apr 13 2011

    Beautiful words Anita...very well put... the emotions expressed just reached the core of my heart. I know where the writing comes from... your mother one of the great english teacher we had. Pinto teacher would be proud of you. Well done

  • Sandra Correa, Canada

    Wed, Apr 13 2011

    I have known the poet since the day she was born. Anita, your talents as a poet are truly amazing! Canadians prayed for the people of Christchurch. Send the poem to CNN

  • Laz and Adelia, Auckland, NZ

    Wed, Apr 13 2011

    Well done Anita, I know you're a good photogrpaher, but it seems you're an even better poet =).

  • Nitin Dalvi, Mumbai /India

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    Anita , Never had known about this talent you had. Feeling proud and happy to see Our Classmate "Bruclee" with such a emotional and tender heart. God bless you !

  • Noella Britto, Mangalore/Melbourne, Australia

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    Very touching indeed. Beautiful piece of work, Anita. You're extremely talented and you have a flair for writing. Hope to see more of your work through portals like this.

  • Suzie DSilva, Bangalore

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    Awesome Anita!! Loved it...

  • Joyer ( Rudolph) Noronha, Kinnigoli

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    Thanks for this touching work,
    Sometimes due to my human weakness, when catastrophes occur in distant part of the globe I fail to realize its human face.
    Thanks to this sincere effort, I could feel be there. God bless Auckland.

  • Jules, Mangalore / Brisbane, Australia

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    Well done Anita, You nailed it. We are so proud to be related to you. Great work, great poetry and fantastic talent. Keep it up. Love you girl ....

  • Margarita Saldanha , United Kingdom

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    Anita Britto,your poem is inspired, and inspiring.One can ppicture the anguish and trauma following the catastrophe,and admire the selflessness of those who rushed in to pull out people from the debris,despite the risk to their own lives. You see and feel with your soul, and write from the heart.
    Margarita Saldanha

  • xavier, mangalore

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    Well done child...i am really proud to learn that you are going to be a proud daughter of your parents. To create a poetry is not an easy tast, it's a hard way. Being myself a great mangalorean poet i had never come across such great ideas from a child in poetry. keep it up child and God bless

  • Hazel & Martin Patrao, Mangalore / Auckland, NZ

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    What an expression of thoughts and feelings. Great Poem Anita. May God bless & help you develop your talent. Congratulations.

  • Joe Britto, Nakre/Bangalore

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    Anita,extremely well worded and truly from the depths of your being .Your feelings of empathy would touch every Kiwi. It's heartening to note that the NZ Government has done its' best to ease the difficulties of the victims of this recent tragic quake in Christchurch .

  • Antony Herbert Crasta, Mangalore/Sydney,Australia

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    A sad and touching poem, well compiled and narrated, on the recent catastrophe at Chirstchurch in New Zealand. Well done Anita! Great talent!

  • Edward Barboza, Kanajar/Auckland

    Tue, Apr 12 2011

    Great Anita, you've done it again. You are truly blessed with a beautiful talent. We feel proud to know the poet.
    God bless and keep it up.
    Edward, Vera, Edson and Verrell


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