Tom Cunningham Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

 

Ib 1953 the Greek island of Kefalonia suffered a devastating earthquake that measured 6.8 on the moment magnitude scale.

Most of the island suffered structural damage apart from the town of Fiskcardo in the north of the island,

After the eartquake many islanders emigrated but some remained.

Today Kefalonia is a popular holiday destination and gained fame when the film Captain Corelli's mandolin was filmed there eighteen years ago.

I have been lucky to have been there on holiday seven times now and never get tired of going there.

Kefalonia

On the twelfth of August in nineteen fifty three
Tectonic plates moved in the Ionian sea
A massive earthquake bringing destruction and death 
Caused kefalonia to draw her last breath.

Buildings were flattened and many lives were lost
It has since been rebuilt at an enormous cost 
Fiskcardo in the north was the only town spared
A cry for help was answered because the world cared.

British and Israelis' were the first to arrive
Helped all those poor souls who managed to survive
Bringing medical care and much needed supplies
Helped the search for those buried, listening for their cries.

Many emigrated and they moved far away
Couldn't cope with the horrors they witnessed that day
But some did remain and with help rebuilt their lives
Now a bustling destination, tourism thrives.

The film Captain Corelli brought the island fame
Now everyone has heard of this Greek islands name
Drive up the mountain amongst the tall green pine trees
And below see the view of crystal clear seas.

With its uncrowded beaches of white dazzling sand
It is a beautiful place so fine and so grand
Visit the island if you ever get a chance
Enjoy their cuisine and wine and join in the dance.

Some ruins of the buildings stand like a shrine
Reminds you that this island is on a fault line.
Greek's are proud people; will never admit defeat 
And will dance in defiance at what lies at their feet.



Written 4th June 2019.

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Brenda Chiri February 21, 2020 at 5:12 PM Tom congrats on your win!;) Tom Cunningham February 21, 2020 at 5:23 PM Thank you Brenda, have a lovely weekend. Tom

Sam Kauffman February 21, 2020 at 4:35 PM Oh Tom! This is wonderful! Having lived through many earthquakes like Loma Prieta - magnitude 6.9 - this poem brings back memories! Also loved the Captain Corelli movie. Will have to watch again and look more carefully at the scenery. Congratulations! Tom Cunningham February 21, 2020 at 5:07 PM Thank you Sam, I'm happy you enjoyed it. I hadn't heard of the Loma Prieta one, had to Google it. They say an earthquake like the 1909 one could happen again, I hope they're wrong. Enjoy your weekend. Tom

Suzanne Delaney February 21, 2020 at 2:37 PM You are such a wonderful storyteller Tom: You brought the tragedy to life and great pictorial as well. Congratulations on your win. SuZ Tom Cunningham February 21, 2020 at 2:42 PM Thank you Suzanne, been many times, its a beautiful island. Tom

Demetrios Trifiatis June 30, 2019 at 4:13 AM I remember it ! I was eight years old at the time! The place of my birth is not that far but we did not suffer any damages! It was horrible! You have described the event so vividly and you have given an accurate historic account my friend! Thank you for your good words the pictures and the video! How about... working for the Greek ministry of Tourism? Lol! Demetrios Trifiatis July 1, 2019 at 7:54 AM You see my friend, Tom, my nephew is at the helm of Greek tourism. Just say the... word! haha! Tom Cunningham June 30, 2019 at 2:15 PM Thank you Demetrios, I'm happy that you liked it as for the job, I wouldn't hesitate to accept lol. Tom

Gershon Wolf June 12, 2019 at 9:30 PM As is so often the case, I have just been privileged to have access to a wonderful 'personal historian,' Mr. Tom Cunningham. Thank you for yet another revealing episode, Tom! Best wishes, Gershon Tom Cunningham June 13, 2019 at 1:43 AM Thank you very much Gershon, I happy that you liked it. Tom

Constance La France June 12, 2019 at 5:38 PM Tom, what an excellent write, so sad about the earthquake, the loss of life and the ruin, but you made me want to hop a plane and go there to meet these people with such a fighting spirit, I loved the movie, Captian Corelle's Mandolin, and I enjoyed the dancing in the video, an all round great poem ~ Tom Cunningham June 12, 2019 at 5:46 PM Thank you very much Constance, I'm not long back from there and wasn't happy when the holiday ended. It really is a beautiful Island and the people so welcoming. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Tom.

M. L. Kiser June 11, 2019 at 8:47 AM A poem of wonderful generosity from the neighbors throughout the world. Beautiful. Tom Cunningham June 12, 2019 at 5:43 PM Thank you very much M.L. Glad you liked it. Tom.

Lindsay Laurie June 10, 2019 at 8:48 PM G'day Tom … a very enjoyable poem to read that is based on fact, in fact a great for the island to lure tourists. You've done well here Tom - Lindsay Tom Cunningham June 11, 2019 at 4:55 AM Thanks Lindsay, happy you liked it. It is a beautiful place and so relaxing with stunning scenery. Tom

Gordon Mcconnell June 8, 2019 at 3:22 PM Such a historical and informative piece Tom, I really enjoyed it with such great imagery and beautiful rhyme. I remember Captain Corelli the movie, which was a really good one too. Have a blessed weekend, Gordon Tom Cunningham June 9, 2019 at 9:17 AM Thank you very much Gordon, had a great time there, hope all is well with you. Tom

Eve Roper June 8, 2019 at 2:14 PM You've written a very informative write, Tom.. Nature can be very devastating to the people.. Thank you for the interesting information, enjoyed reading. Hugs Tom Cunningham June 9, 2019 at 9:16 AM Thank you very much Eve, happy you liked it. Tom

Panagiota Romios June 8, 2019 at 11:41 AM Tom, I am well. Another source for Greeek music is GreekBostom.com I get their newsletter. It has a music playlist and many Greek recipes. I think you would like it, So glad you got to Greece. +)) Yasou! Panagiota Tom Cunningham June 9, 2019 at 9:14 AM Thank you Panagiota, I didn't know that you were Greek, got GreekBoston as a fave and have signed up. Thanks. Tom

Panagiota Romios June 8, 2019 at 3:38 AM Thank you for writing about this! Greek radio is available 24/7 online. Tune in! Efharisto poli! Panagiota. This is a FAV)) Tom Cunningham June 8, 2019 at 4:10 AM Thank you Panagiota, not long back from there, had a great time. Hope you're well. Tom.

Andrea Dietrich June 7, 2019 at 9:16 AM There are places I would rather live if I could too , Tom!! Who knows, maybe one day you can live there! Tom Cunningham June 8, 2019 at 4:06 AM Thanks Andrea, its one if those places where you really feel at home. Tom

Charles Messina June 6, 2019 at 10:23 PM As I have said before, Tom. Not only are you a great poet, but you are a great teacher as well. Thanks for the lesson and for the enjoyable read. Great write! Charlie Tom Cunningham June 7, 2019 at 3:13 AM Thank you very much Charlie, I'm glad you liked it. Tom.

Timothy Mcguire June 6, 2019 at 6:41 PM Great poem, yes, history will repeat itself Tom Cunningham June 7, 2019 at 3:12 AM Thanks Timothy, sadly you're right, not if but when. Tom.

Juli- Michelle June 6, 2019 at 2:14 PM Oh, wow, I've never heard of it, but that's such a beautiful tribute to the land! Love it! Love, Juli-Michelle Tom Cunningham June 7, 2019 at 3:11 AM Thank you very much Juli, its one of the bigger Greek islands. Just back from there. The film Captain Corelli was made there with Nicholas Cage. Tom.

Jennifer Proxenos June 6, 2019 at 1:29 PM Ah, that 50% defiant Greek part of me has got me through many tight spots in life! Seven visits, they are going to give you honorary citizenship and re-baptize you as their friend - Koumbaro - an endearing term - As a Koumbaro you are almost a relative! Wonderful pics - Yamas! Hugs, Jennifer. Tom Cunningham June 7, 2019 at 3:08 AM Thanks Jennifer, I would be honoured. When we get there we put on a Greek music cd in the car and we're in heaven. Missing my moussaka already, must download the recipe. Tom.

Anne-Lise Andresen June 6, 2019 at 1:20 PM - I understand Kefalonia has a big place in your heart, Tom - A beautiful place and a lovely description in your poem ... would like to go there ... when I get rich :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Tom Cunningham June 7, 2019 at 3:03 AM Thanks Anne, its a beautiful place, put it on your to go list, you wont be disappointed. Tom.

Kim Rodrigues June 5, 2019 at 3:31 PM An enjoyable read! Learned a little, enjoyed the pica and dance. Thanks for sharing the history and tourist info. Tom Cunningham June 6, 2019 at 1:40 AM Thank you Kim, I'm happy you liked it. Tom

Andrea Dietrich June 4, 2019 at 6:16 PM so nice to honor it this way. It must be a wonderful place to visit. Lucky you! Tom Cunningham June 4, 2019 at 6:27 PM Thank you Andrea, it is a beautiful unspoilt island. I'd live there if I could. Tom

Ann Gilmour June 4, 2019 at 5:52 PM What a wonderfully written poem Tom and so much information so beautifully described. A really excellent write Tom, I thoroughly enjoyed my poetic visit to Kefalonia and your pics were the cherry on the top, no wonder you have returned again and again Tom. Thank you for sharing your fabulous holiday. With kindest thoughts Ann xx Tom Cunningham June 4, 2019 at 5:56 PM Thank you very much Ann, I am happy that you enjoyed it. It is indeed a beautiful place with stunning scenery and the people are so friendly. Tom

Vijay Pandit June 4, 2019 at 5:11 PM This was educational for me..a splendid place to visit sounds like..the photos and your poem both paint a scenic place that it is..a beautiful write, Tom. Tom Cunningham June 4, 2019 at 5:15 PM Thank you Vijay, it is a beautiful place, scenery and unspoilt beaches and peace. Tom

Harry Horsman June 4, 2019 at 4:35 PM How could one not want to visit, Tom, as your wonderful positive words tempt the reader. Tom Cunningham June 4, 2019 at 4:48 PM Thank you very much Harry, I hope you had a great trip down under. Tom

Caren Krutsinger June 4, 2019 at 4:32 PM Actually, Tom, I had never heard of it until you told me of it. "But some did remain and with help rebuilt their lives Now a bustling destination, tourism thrives . "The film Captain Corelli brought the island fame. Now everyone has heard of this Greek islands name". You brought it to my attention, and I am grateful for she is so beautiful. Well done indeed - a darling tribute to her. Tom Cunningham June 4, 2019 at 4:47 PM Thank you very much Caren, a lot call it Cephalonia but I think that's the Greek way of spelling it. The whole area around there lies on a fault line near the European and Aegean plate and slight tremors are common. The pic of the underground lake at Melissani was discovered after the 1953 earthquake and is now a tourist attraction. Tom

Heidi Sands June 4, 2019 at 4:30 PM A great informative and beautiful poem Tom :) Tom Cunningham June 4, 2019 at 4:32 PM Thanks very ,much Heidi, I hope you are well. Tom

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