Sadako at peace

[struggle4progress]

Saturday, August 07, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 A.M.

Restoration of the Sadako Sasaki peace statue in Seattle is testament to the decency and goodness of many people in the face of some sorry soul's misguidedness.

With an outpouring of support from around the world, sculptor Daryl Smith has repaired the arm and ankle of the life-sized bronze figure of Sadako, the 12-year-old Hiroshima survivor who subsequently died from leukemia. The young girl believed, according to Japanese legend, that if she folded 1,000 origami cranes, she would be granted her wish of becoming well. She folded hundreds before dying in 1955 from the atom bomb's effects. Her statue embodies the search for peace, and has drawn many visitors, especially children, who leave their own paper cranes in unity.

Late last year, a vandal hacked off the statue's right arm, which held aloft a crane; and also damaged an ankle on the sculpture.
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Let's hope, wherever Sadako is located, that her message of peace long will prevail over any single act of violence.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2001998939_sadakoed07.html


Friday was the 59th anniversary of the Hiroshima attack ...

[Fenris]

1. I come and stand at every door

But no one hears my silent tread
I knock and yet remain unseen
For I am dead, for I am dead.

I'm only seven although I died
In Hiroshima long ago
I'm seven now as I was then
When children die they do not grow.

My hair was scorched by swirling flame
My eyes grew dim, my eyes grew blind
Death came and turned my bones to dust
And that was scattered by the wind.

I need no fruit, I need no rice
I need no sweet, nor even bread
I ask for nothing for myself
For I am dead, for I am dead.

All that I ask is that for peace
You fight today, you fight today
So that the children of this world
May live and grow and laugh and play.

-- Nazim Hikmet

[struggle4progress]

4. when spring arrives

from every tree tip
flowers will bloom
but those children who fell
with last autumn's leaves
will never return

Ryokan (1758-1831)

[UdoKier]

2. Thank you. What a beautiful memorial and message for peace.

[flamingyouth]

3. I drive past Sadako nearly every day

And I am so glad to see that she will finally be repaired.

And RIP, Floyd Schmoe, who founded the Peace Park.:loveya: