Heimaey Eruption, 1973

Alan Gould

A Palaeozoic tenure
spits vermilion gobbets
high above these canneries.
This year the spring's no use;
the island eats its cowl.

The wharf's lanterned with nightgowns
as ash invades the kitchens,
bursting like a sea
on heirloom spoons, on clocks
great-grandfathers set ticking.

Offshore the cod shoals poise
remote as stars in space,
and here's a sanctity
of home that is not touched
by yesterday today.

Heimaey is a small island off Iceland. In 1973, lava from a volcanic eruption engulfed half the town. The townspeople managed to cool the advancing lava with sea water and prevent it from engulfing and blocking their harbour.


Main Location:

Heimaey, Iceland