Look forward with hope

As we stand in silent memory thinking
of those with aching hearts and shattered lives
let us pray for a beacon of light, a ray of hope.
Let us look forward to a city that will be reborn,
that will be rebuilt out of the ashes and dust,
out of the dark places, out of the pain, the panic,
the grief, the sorrow and the loss.


Although those broken buildings and broken hearts
will never be the same again may they look forward to
a new sunrise, a new dawning - a brave new beginning.
May the resilience, the courage, the confidence
and the will of the people of Christchurch, and of those
throughout the land of the long white cloud unite as one
to begin this journey of rebirth no matter what is to come.
Wanda Brittain ©