Thick turmoil in the sky
gray, green, orange, steel
reflecting images of
Joplin, MO
two hours away.
Pressurized panic
fills my brain.
Dogs cower
daughter clings.
They MUST NOT sense my fear.
Mother nature reminds us all
of the flimsy
hold we have on space
on belongings
on time
on life.
Slate gray skies moan
whistling winds wander
water droplets dance
with power and grace.
And I watch,
and I wait,
and I wonder.
Linked to the Poetry Potluck!
May 23, 2011 @ 07:56:32
You get some scary storms and capture here the anticipation of the unknown!
May 23, 2011 @ 08:52:48
I am kind of terrified of thunder storms (even though sometimes I think they are cool) but even more terrified of tornadoes. Another reason that Kansas might not be the best match for me.
May 23, 2011 @ 08:07:32
I am so glad you’re safe and sound. I hope all of your loved ones are safe as well. I’m praying for you all.
As for your poem, I have to say that I really appreciate how the form of the poem took the shape of a tornado. That’s a cool (and creepy) effect. I could get a very clear sense of the delicate balance you had to strike between dealing with your own fear and anxiety, and trying to put on a brave face for those who depended on you.
May 23, 2011 @ 08:51:16
We are all safe, and for now the storms seem to have passed. Hopefully no bad stuff is forming in their path.
As for your analysis, I had no idea that I did that. I guess this one of those moments where the creative spark spoke through me, without me knowing it. Thank you.
May 23, 2011 @ 12:45:58
Glad you’re OK. The change in our weather patterns is disturbing.
May 24, 2011 @ 10:10:53
Watch. Wait. Wonder. Brilliant!
May 25, 2011 @ 05:12:41
nicely done–these storms are devastating
May 25, 2011 @ 12:21:06
Glad you are okay! I have friends in Joplin, and they are all okay, but have lost acquaintances, people from church and the like. The whole thing is so scary. Your poem captured that sense of powerlessness and wonder very well.
May 25, 2011 @ 17:15:44
I’m sorry for your friends, but I’m glad they are okay. We have been lucky where we are, but it really saddens me that a town I visited only few weeks ago has been so destroyed.
May 30, 2011 @ 15:33:56
Well said. I could feel your tenseness as you awaited your fate.
May 30, 2011 @ 17:50:20
Thank you Charles.
May 30, 2011 @ 16:51:10
reflective and true words.
hope all is well with you and your family.
thanks for linking.
May 30, 2011 @ 17:59:42
Thanks Jingle.
May 31, 2011 @ 14:16:43
You’ve really captured the fear and uncertainty when faced with a potential natural disaster
“Mother nature reminds us all
of the flimsy
hold we have on space
on belongings
on time
on life.” I particularly love this stanza its so true it often takes being faced with something like this to realize how fragile and beautiful life is
May 31, 2011 @ 15:54:39
Thank you for that wonderful interpretation.
May 31, 2011 @ 19:29:50
wow, two hours away isn’t that far at all in geographical terms, fantastic write from such a fury
May 31, 2011 @ 20:35:42
Thank you. Joplin was my go to place for shopping (as there are no good stores here). Sigh.
Jun 01, 2011 @ 00:49:33
Powerful write … well done!