...when words fail

We knew it could happen, but no one thought it actually would.

I'm finding it hard to comprehend, and I'm not even directly affected. I can't begin to imagine how the residents of Kinglake, Marysville, St. Andrews, Labertouche and so many other towns feel right now, though the faces on the TV tell much. Complete devastation. Total shock. So many lost, so much gone. The words don't fit the gravity of this. Nothing but uncomfortable cliches.

There will be a lot of talk in the washup. Lets hope that it leads to constructive outcomes and doesn't just end in unrealistic expectations or anger and divisive finger pointing. This is too great an event to come out of with nothing but tears. Those who fail to acknowledge history are doomed to repeat it.

Hats off to the fireys, police, surgeons and nurses, old ladies in the Op-shops, SES and volunteers of all kinds. To the vets, the chaplains, the charity of Australians, forensic officers, community leaders and well-wishers around the world, salut! To the departed and suvivors, you are in my thoughts and 'atheist prayers' during these, your darkest hours. But I know the tenacity of these proud locals and the grass will again bloom around their new homes as their most lovely towns come back to life, though the pain shall linger for generations.

07/02/09
Lest we forget.