RED SHOES
my new school shoes are red and my boots too
and yet some say they are barefoot no time to grab their shoes
the water rose so quickly all they could get was the baby’s formula
and a bottle they had to swim to the rescue school will be closed
all week at the shelter dry clothes are needed
most arrive wet and need blankets later we can talk about red shoes
August 29, 2017
HARVEY WE HARDLY KNEW THEE
Rolling against the walls in massive waves
We were told his name was Harvey
We did not know him
We were warned
But who could know
He did not want to be one of those
Quickly forgotten
He wanted to be remembered
His destruction would be known far and wide
His name would strike fear into the hearts of men
Fear could be seen in their eyes
Pain-of-loss on their tongues
They said the words over and over
Muttered to themselves
The world changed forever
The time short like stubble in the fields
The water rose to record levels
And then rose some more
Rain bands reached out from the eye
The horrible eye
The lull
The calm
Painted finger nails
A silver shine
There would be no time
To paint your nails
Fingers grasped, clawed
And still the water rose
Came into the house under the door
Soaked the carpet
Floated the dog
Harvey will die in parts unknown
Never required to know himself
When it is over we will say
Harvey, we hardly knew thee
And rue the day he might return
August 29, 2017
Note: I had to add my poem about “Harvey.” The storm we all dreaded, yet knew, one day he would come. I think… Harvey, we hardly knew thee, and look at the mess you made. My heart goes out to all those in my hometown. Some were lucky and remained high and dry, but others, were soaked to the bone, lost everything.
