The Old Neighborhood After Sandy

 

THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD AFTER SANDY

 

 

Like the sea at ebb tide I am drawn back from whence I came,

to that sandy spit I tried so hard to escape,

the peninsula that like a finger pointed at the shimmering City

but remained forever separate and apart

The tiny piece of land surrounded by the sea that shaped me

the way the crashing waves shaped the shore.

Its ocean breezes provided the salt for my tears,

the crashing waves masked my cries

the sand providing the grit

that wore away my innocence.

 

But now I return, the self-exiled son

to see a shadow version of my home.

The houses swept away by water and wind

like the sand castles we built so many years ago.

Years of memories piled on the street

As seaweed  is thrown up against the shore,

the sand , so long denied,

now reclaiming its dominion.

 

Memory is the only possession that remains

when all else is swept away,

is swept away.

Reviews

[Relic]

This is a very moving poem with great lines throughout. I remember seeing the destruction the next day and places I remember turned into rubble. I can't believe there are still some people without homes. I can't imagine what it's like to have your home and childhood washed away like that. Its heart-wrenching. I pray we never see another Sandy here again.

[SteveB]

Thank you so much. Sadly the old neighborhood is still battle scarred ten months later. And there are many who are still relying upon the kindness of others for a place to sleep and a roof to be under.

[Baby Ricochet]

Terrible storm great poem. Thank you

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much

[Frieda P]

The devastation was amazing, you've written it aptly, the memories do remain, such a sad and bittersweet read.

[SteveB]

Thanks Frieda, you Joisey folks know this all too well.

[Betty]

what a sensational poem..... You words have painted the beauty of the past in such a marvelous way. Loved it all. "Memory is the only possession that remains, when all else is swept away,"

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much Betty.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

But now I return, the self-exiled son
to see a shadow version of my home. -- such saddness here...the bittersweet image of returning home and then finding it swept away, never again to be the same.

The final stanza says it best here...memories are the most important possessions of our lives. I would rather make and have memories than possess any amount of material goods and wealth. The things inside of us are what matter most, especially when "all else is swept away". Thoughtfully written...

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Sarah.

[Rita L. Sev]

The houses swept away by water and wind
like the sand castles we built so many years ago...

Wonderfully poignant image here, Steve. You bring that event into full view, and the emotions that follow. I am still flabbergasted at the devastation Sandy brought to the East Coast - and I have to say, I am so happy to see the Jersey Shore back up and running. Here in my neighborhood, we can still see the effects in the many fallen trees in Pennypack.
Great piece

[Ry]

Great work! This is so personal and relevant, I love it.

"the sand, so long denied,
now reclaiming its dominion"

Very powerful. Great job =)

-A

[SteveB]

Thank you A, I am honored

[Rogue]

I've been through four of these, so I understand the devastation they can do. Even weak ones. Takes quit some time to recover from them and the landscape, though close, is never quite the same again.

This was a touching write really on your feelings of what had been and what now is.

A wonderful piece, Steve. :)

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Rogue. I appreciate your kindness more than you know.

[Rogue]

You are always welcome. :)

[SyberRose]

So sad indeed...It will always be there in your memories though Steve...but hopefully one day the neighborhood can make memories for others...Rose:)

[SteveB]

Thank you Rose. The first time I went back after the storm I was struck by how much it reminded me of the photos of the Blitz that I saw years ago at the Imperial War Museum.

[SyberRose]

WoW...Heartbreaking

[Sami Khalil]

"the sand , so long denied,

now reclaiming its dominion.



Memory is the only possession that remains

when all else is swept away,

is swept away."
It was heartbreaking watching the news about hurricane Sandy and all the loss of life or property . You have penned a great poem with the tearful memories...

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Sami. seven months later and the old neighborhood is still battered. Bloodied but unbowed.

[Sami Khalil]

Sorry to hear that. Good for the fighting or survival spirit...:)