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.
11 comments:
The news are so filled with the disaster of Harvey... it will take a long time to recover I think. Maybe those red shoes will be replaced, but so much will not.
It's amazing how school shoes were so important in childhood - and yet they are not at all important in the grand scheme of things, Harvey included.My thoughts are with all those who have lost not just shoes but loved ones, homes, pets, livelihoods and hope.
This is such a sad poem. I only read the top half I'm afraid. But it broke my heart - such an incredible look at Harvey and consequences of it. We have so much to be thankful for. We have so much to share.
Sometimes the colour of a pair of shoes is neither here nor there.
Harvey puts having red shoes in perspective.
Oh, annell. I'm so so sorry this touches so close to home for you. Your child's perspective is so touching, and a wonderful take on the prompt. Many prayers for all affected by this disaster.
I can't say any more than has been said but the last line there, "we can talk about red shoes later" makes this poem for me.
I have been swept away by the tragedy that is Houston, and your poem so eloquently pays homage to the disaster that is Harvey. Time for red shoes later, indeed. For now, prayers for Texas.
...and then rose some more. The whole poem is well done.
The red shoes poem is very poignant - you've captured it well form a child's perspective- I remember being excited about my new shoes - but after the first day my fee usually hurt as I ran barefoot most of the summer!
The poem about the shoes really hits home. As does your poem to Harvey. I didnt know Houston was your home town, Annell. It is hard to believe this is happening. Devastating.
I liked your poems, especially "Red Shoes." Thank you for writing about hurricane Harvey.
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