State of Emergency

Inspired by the tornado in Oklahoma

Suspicious clouds harbor the unmistakable turn

Sirens ring throughout the air;

But there’s never enough time to prepare.

                    

Touching down on the ground

Nature furiously pulverizes,

Mangles, and astounds

Like a freight train whistles angry call

Preternatural screams are heard

And then,

Screams are heard

Oklahoma’s been shattered

They’re beyond disturbed.

 

Children are missing

Dozens feared dead

Families are searching

Their hearts filled with dread

In the midst of this chaos

Even the Governor bows her head.

 

Sifting through the unidentifiable wreckage

Ultimate obliterations left behind

Only God knows what they will find.

 

But through the destruction,

Hope remains

A vessel, a force

No damage can claim

“I thought we were dead.”

Instead we are, “blessed.”

 

Carried on wings of bravery,

Born from unsinkable courage

Having paid the ultimate price

Tears inevitable will fall.

The silent, grateful tributes,

Tokens of respect; humbly shed light,

So it can pave the way towards a new day

Honoring life, and each other

In the middle of, this

State of emergency

 

Author's Note

I normally can't even watch the news because I hate how the daily devestation knocks me down. But I was inspired by how the people affected by this beast came together and saw their survival for what it was, a miracle, a blessing. And they were filled with hope.

Reviews

[Rogue]

This was a very touching write and resonated deeply with me.. As me and mine now sit under the same batch of storms and the watches have been issued. This is the unfortunate part for all of us who live in Tornado alley.
To lose a child to such a disaster.. My heart goes out to the parents and families.

[Kristin Lee]

My thoughts and heart go out to you so that you and yours might safely get through the storm. Unfortunate part of living there or not, it never hurts to have a little faith/hope.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is an apt tribute to those people having to brave such severe, devastating storms...


there is hope among the hopelessness...and a rebuilding from the scattered remains..

really well penned...we felt them coming together, and their courage.

jacob

[Astro]

Tru dat sista! Very nice and poetic account of the disaster. I liked the different types of screaming that you portray in this.

[Kristin Lee]

I decided to take your challenge. So to speak. While I've lived through my share of storms, I'm thankful to have never been in a tornado. I can only imagine what these people have suffered. But the screaming bit, I imagine to be similar to the high winds of the storms off the cape near where I grew up during our massive storms, the noise is almost indescribable at times.

[Astro]

Banshee wails, of which I'm accustomed to. Coastal kid and all...

[Kristin Lee]

them's be the ones!

[The Girl That Let You G..]

Aheartfelt write. Well done, nicely penned, and carried so much deepth

[Kristin Lee]

Thank you. Not my normal style. But inspired just the same.

[Jack...]

Kristin, this was very touching and beautiful. I am with you on watching the news, but this hit so close to home. The media, still even in this makes me mad constantly. From the stupid questions they ask to their elevated numbers to make the tragedy more sensational for their own glory. Last night when I went to bed they reported 51 confirmed dead...when I woke this morning the number had come down to 24. I don't know how that happens, but I hope it keeps coming down. Sorry for the rant, I loved your poem.

[Kristin Lee]

I completely agree, it's part of why I don't watch the news. Especially when they sensationalize it like that because two elementary schools were involved. I've intentionally had all media sources off today. My heart goes out to the community that was affected.

[Jack...]

As does mine, I feel so bad for all of the people involved, directly or indirectly. It is so very sad.

[Sami Khalil]

"Carried on wings of bravery,

Born from unsinkable courage

Having paid the ultimate price

Tears inevitable will fall.

The silent, grateful tributes,

Tokens of respect; humbly shed light,"
A very good tribute . I saw that on TV and I felt bad about all of that. Our prayers go to the dead and the survivals who need hope the most and help...:)

[Kristin Lee]

Many prayers to all those affected. I am humbled by the communities spirit to perserveer (sp). The only reason this was posted was a challenge from a friend to bring awareness to the issue. But I felt the issue was not the damage, but exactly what you pulled out of it :)

[Sami Khalil]

That is noble...Thank you...:)