Hurricane Ian

Screens rip on the lanai,
Gripping their frames in desperation,
As they wave goodbye,
Feebly flapping against the wild wind
And finally defeated
Like broken flags.

It’s gonna be a long night
As Ian opens his hungry mouth,
Ready to feast on the lands below.

Birds and bugs clamor for cover.
Nowhere is safe as they scramble,
Unsure of where they used to live.

The angry winds
Toss houses like matchsticks,
Waters relentlessly thrashing at the shores,
As the remaining timber is shuffled
Like a deck of cards,

Until the hurricane finally exhales
Out of breath at last,
Finding new neighborhoods to haunt,
Always hungry, always on the move.

Behind, the trees have calmed.
Some downed in defeat,
Others standing tall once again,
With their proud posture,
Arms outstretched,
Ready to embrace another day.

Copyright Mary McGrath-10/2/22
grathy@aol.com
marymcgrathphotography.com