August 16, 2004
Hurricane Haiku
If you couldn't tell, hurricane Charlie was on my mind. I wasn't going to post this but I decided to go ahead. I'm just glad that none of you Florida LC's and friends were affected like they were in some areas. You all must leave charmed lives down there.
I
Cross the Gulf quickly
and probe with windy tendrils
the shore's defenses.
II
Palms rustle, anxious,
waiting for the coming surge,
roiling past their trunks.
III
Stalwart hammers drive
nails through countless plywood shields,
bracing fragile homes.
IV
Pounding breakwaters
Soaring plumes of wind-whipped foam
against rushing sky.
V
Fam'ly pets desert,
hiding in dark recesses
to ride out the storm.
VI
Quick brush of their lips.
Fam'ly packed, ready to leave.
Eyes pleading, "Be safe."
VII
Windchimes in frenzy
announce unsubtle changes.
Now it has begun.
VIII
Culverts overflow,
Impotently bear away
the murky torrents.
IX
With home reinforced,
the pick-up backs out slowly.
Garage-mate pursuit.
X
Distant friends worry,
Helpless from safer places.
Imagine the worst.
XI
Slow radar sweeping.
Reflect the fickle stormfront.
Home, untouched, remains.