I know what it is like to go through a Hurricane. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 hit the Pensacola, Florida area as a Category 3 storm, creeping along in it's destruction at 3 MPH. It was the scariest night of my life. A 17 ft storm surge hit our house in Gulf Breeze, Florida washing everything we owned away except what we took with us when we evacuated. After the initial shock, you get down to the business very quickly of living your life. Along with eating Red Cross meals, hunting for personal belongings in the piles of debris and cleaning up, I got to taking some photographs and the later, when I could think better, writing a few poems. With Hurricane Florence's depression still raining on the Carolina's as I write this, I am brought back to my own experience and thought I'd make this post.
How could you have done to us what you did, salty, beautiful blue?
Why roar at your gazing lover?
Sue, who gardened by your breezes has gone.
No voices or crabbing adventures and grandchildren playing...
who knew that one day YOU would grow ENRAGED
and take it all away.
How can I love you, trust you, though you woo me daily with your calm lapping, making up to me.
Breathing your scent I can't help myself.
Lover again.
 |
| Sue's Home, Sydney's Chair |
The Unnamed Storm
Perhaps to name you
was to know you.
Your gradual approach
allowed the denial.
…as if preparations were
unnecessary or not to be rushed…
maybe your landfall would be soft
in the middle of the night as
I slept, unknowing.
Oh but that doesn’t ever happen with
a hurricane.
The steering currents warm
with energy
made certain
that
your arrival would be noticed.
You brought a power greater than mine.
I stood helpless on the shore
to
hold you back
or keep it as before.
My belongings scattered…should I search or
are they ruined by your caustic pounding and should I
just let them go?
 |
| The Morning After |
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