The Aftermath
First two days, stressful; but tougher the nights
Funnel clouds formed, though few touched the ground
But warnings rang in frightening frequency;
Off to a shelter each time the alarms sound!
Thunder claps boomed, lightning bolts lit the sky
As the wind howled louder than a heathen hound,
Nonstop rain banged on the roof and window panes
All night long; a moment of sleep can’t be found
The storm passed, but before petering out inland
It headed back to sea; picking up more moisture
And made a second landfall, perhaps less potent
But using torrential rain, the world to torture!
The heavens gushed, for three days it poured
And the tempest stayed, delaying its departure
The rivers overflowed, reservoirs inundated;
Water everywhere depicted a gloomy picture!
Thousands of homes flooded; streets under water
People cornered in attics and upper floors;
While others in roofs, defenseless in the rain
Yelling for assistance, until they’re hoarse!
In the submerged highways and thoroughfares
Vehicles stranded, drivers trapped or worse
Others more fortunate left their homes in time
Four walls of the shelters now their universe
But in the face of disaster, accidental heroes
In our midst; rose up to rescue the unfortunate
In the depths of despair, heaven sent angels
To assist the luckless; and their pain alleviate!
In tragic circumstances, even ordinary mortals
Achieved heroic feats; superhuman and great;
The best humankind can offer, now manifest
In the scenes of calamity, dismal and desolate!
The Aftermath
And the winds ceased, finally a great calm
Behind clouds, the hesitant sun showed its face
There’s joy, but no relief, and much anxiety
As the tempest left to lay waste another place
For the rivers rose to heights unheard of
As punishing rains fell for several days!
Many streets flooded, while others inaccessible
And far too many were virtual castaways!
After several rain-soaked days, a sun-filled morning
Deep indigo skies; and the flood waters receding
A rainbow in the east, a promise from on high
Better days ahead, but elation will be misleading;
For there’s much to be done; and recovery arduous
The work will be hard, painful and time-consuming
But then super heroes were born during the disaster
And in the storm’s aftermath, hope is everlasting!!
11-27-2017
© Vic A Evora
Dedicated to all the victims of Harvey! Houston Strong!
Liked or faved by...
Robert L. Martin
7yThat was quite a tragedy alright. I live in Pennsylvania and wasn't affected by any hurricanes. At least the Houston Astros won the world series, though. I guess it gave the people something to cheer about in the midst of all that misery of rebuilding the city and their homes.
Nelson D Reyes
7yAmazing 2017 Hurricanes! Three Cat 4 made landfalls one after the other that had caused the devastations in the Gulf painted in your poem. All of US of A were glued focused on Houston during Harvey, Irma and Maria. Tragedy thrice severe. Super heroes emerged in the aftermath as you witnessed. I could see you and Sim as among them helping your newborns the best you two can! Sans Superman and Wonder Woman shirts. Regroup, Reboot, Recharge, Rebuild! Houston Strong! Remain Grounded! Great poem, one for posterity. Like. Thank you Brod.
Vic Evora
7yThanks for liking Brod. Wish we could have done something, but we were evacuees ourselves.
Vic Evora
7yBut we witnessed personally acts of heroism from ordinary people. As we were driving early morning in torrential rain in our futile effort to evacuate to Austin (we subsequently turned back because the roads were impassable), we saw a pick-up truck stopped in the middle of the highway. I was annoyed till I noticed that the driver went out of his vehicle to direct drivers away from a fallen power line. He could have driven on but instead took the time to warn oncoming traffic. Just one of many examples.
Vic Evora
7ySpecial shout out to Jim McIngvale (aka Mattress Mack) who owns a chain of furniture stores all over Houston. He opened up all his stores to people evacuated from their homes, and families slept in hi mattresses in the store. All brand-new.
Nelson D Reyes
7yThat’s “neighbors” not “newborns”as autospelled.