Pantoum - December 26th 2004

Pantoum - December 26th 2004

Written by Seni Senevirante

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My father’s birthplace has been swamped by a tsunami
The mouth of Kalu Ganga rendered mute
As the sea gods woke and raised an army
To settle an old boundary dispute

The mouth of Kalu Ganga rendered mute
Choked by bodies tumbling in the sea’s attack
To settle an old boundary dispute
Kalutara shoreline driven back

Choked by bodies tumbling in the sea’s attack
The cemetery submerged, Galle Road station crumbled
Kalutara shoreline driven back
At the river’s source Sri Pada stumbled

The cemetery submerged, Galle Road station crumbled
Tourists credit cards were spat out on the beach
At the river’s source Sri Pada stumbled
A place of safety was beyond the pilgrims’ reach

Tourists credit cards were spat out on the beach
As the sea gods woke and raised an army
A place of safety was beyond the pilgrims’ reach
My father’s birthplace has been swamped by a tsunami

Kalu Ganga – Black River
Sri Pada – Sacred footprint