Summary

The poem "Pottery" reflects on the resilience and revival of Fukushima following the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster, emphasizing the enduring spirit of its people through the creation of pottery.

Abstract

The author recounts a visit to Fukushima, where they were struck by the kindness of the people, the clean air, and the delicious food. Inspired by the experience, they composed a poem titled "Pottery." The poem describes a place where horses guided people, and a community formed around a kiln, producing pottery that served everyday life. However, a sudden earthquake and subsequent tsunami destroyed the village, including a nuclear power plant, leading to radiation threats and the displacement of survivors. Despite the tragedy, the people of Fukushima persevered, building new homes and a new kiln to continue their pottery tradition. The poem conveys that while atomic energy cannot stop time, it also cannot erase the human spirit and the will to rebuild and create beauty anew, as symbolized by the new pottery made by the survivors and gifted to the author.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep appreciation and love for Fukushima, highlighting the warmth and hospitality of its people.
The poem suggests that the beauty and utility of the pottery, capable of holding anything from coffee to water, symbolizes the enduring human spirit in the face of natural and man-made disasters.
The author seems to believe that the resilience of the Fukushima people, demonstrated by their rebuilding efforts and the continuation of their pottery tradition, is a testament to their ability to overcome fear and adversity.
There is an underlying optimism in the poem, which acknowledges the destructive power of nature and technology but emphasizes the unyielding capacity of humans to adapt, survive, and thrive.
The gift of new pottery to the author signifies a hopeful message of renewal and the continuity of life and culture beyond the reach of disaster.

“Pottery”

A poem about Fukushima

I went to Fukushima last weekend. Friend of mine was organizing an event and I was invited. People there were so kind, the air was clean, and the food was delicious. I am so in love with this place. With gratitude to Fukushima, I wrote a poem.

Pottery

There were many horses there.

People were guided by horses, and a village was formed.

A kiln was built in the village.

People began baking pottery in the kiln.

The pottery is ready.

A bowl that fits comfortably in hands.

Coffee, juice, tea, or water.

You can pour anything into it.

But one day, the earth suddenly shook.

Houses were destroyed.

The sea broke open and large waves swallowed the village.

Swallowed houses and people.

Including the nuclear power plant.

Radiation posed a threat.

Those that survived had to flee the village.

They moved to another place.

People built new homes.

They didn’t give up.

They built a new kiln.

So that they can make pottery.

We don’t need to fear atomic energy.

Because it will never be able to stop time.

Coffee, juice, tea, or water.

You can pour anything into it.

New pottery has been made.

They made it with their own hands.

They gave it to me.

What will I pour into this?

It can be anything.