Disasters

The news is filled with misery –
Tsunamis, earthquakes, death;
While we sit safely watching,
Some are taking their last breath.

It’s hard to get a handle on
Disasters miles away,
Even when the TV news
Has photos on display.

It’s practically impossible
To really comprehend
That cities have been flattened,
Ways of life are at an end.

We’re glued to cable images
Of scenes so sad and tragic,
Yet we can turn the TV off
And poof! They’re gone, like magic.

Of course, they aren’t gone at all,
Just hidden from our view;
The people in disaster’s grip
Just have to wait it through.

We’re grateful we’re a world away
As meltdowns cause concern;
But what I think about is when
It next will be our turn.