Reply #11: Random thoughts [View All]

[frustrated_lefty]

Not even sure whether to post this. What follows is something I've been working on, not as a poem or anything, but just a way to get my head around those events from a year ago. It's not finished, dunno if it ever will be

For the record, I appreciate your motivation and expression MM. My memories just get stuck in certain events which are hard to shake. :(

The early hours of a Monday morning brought with them
the rising of sunlight, wind and water.
Scampering with the calm of people familiar with loss,
those left behind dashed to higher ground
to weather the storm.

On Tuesday the waters receded:
time to breathe, time to wait.
Relief had come,
patience only needed
‘til the levee broke and the waters rose again.

Wednesday offered little reprieve.
Humidity and heat sunk deeper in the bone.
The last trickle of water failed in the morning
and the cries of desperate mothers flowed across the water
to fading boats which shouted “we’ll be back.”

Thursday brought more of the same.
Desperate for a breeze, those left behind
flocked towards the helicopters overhead.
White sheets and clothes were hung
from any rusty nail.

The dawn of Friday revealed a simple truth:
Those of us left behind could rely upon neighbors and ourselves.
“We’ll be back” and the promise of helicopters in the air
don’t protect your children.
At best, they’re good intentions."


It's not a poem, it's not anything, it is far from complete. Sorry to waste bandwidth, it's just floating in my mind still searching for some resolution.

-fl