Lavender

Apr 05, 2023 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

After

I hear the song of the Cardinal,
a notable greeting after the storm.

The final raindrops made their way
through twisted downspouts,
washing torrential heartache over
the remains of houses,
pooling alongside pieces of the day,
fragments of a lifetime.

The siren had given warning,
like a haunting voice screaming during battle.

Those who witnessed daylight
fell further on their knees.

I'm not certain how the Cardinal
stayed safe until the rampage passed -

I only know the strange silence it now fills.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: The horror of tornadoes has devastated thousands of lives across the US within a few days. An EF-3 hit less than 8 minutes from where I live. Thinking of all affected. L

Style/Type: Free verse

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Billy Collins, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

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Comments

Jackweb

2 years 3 months ago

I extend my sympathy

Future climate scenarios show likely increases in the frequency of extreme precipitation events, including precipitation during hurricanes, raising the risk of floods. Frequencies of tornadoes and hurricanes cannot reliably be projected. Injury and death are the direct health impacts most often associated with natural disasters.
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Lavender

2 years 3 months ago

Hello, Jackweb,

Yes, Mother Nature is definitely speaking...
Thank you for reading and commenting.
L

Rosewood Apothecary

2 years 3 months ago

I’m very glad you’re ok

Nature is powerful and destructive. Despite the tragic nature of your poem and given situation in the aftermath I like your choice to use the symbol of the cardinal. I feel like it’s a metaphor for survival and rebuilding.

You’ve illustrated your usual attention to the small miracles and tiny microcosms of wonder even in the face of natural disaster.

Sending love to the families effected and your family,
Tim

Lavender

2 years 3 months ago

Hello, Tim,

My family and I are fine, thanks. We felt the straight line winds, which I don't recall experiencing before in my 65 years. Nature has such power and force. An EF-3 touched down just a few minutes away - I'm sure you've seen similar pictures from many other tornado locations. Unbelievable what can happen in a matter of just a few minutes. The community has been phenomenal.
Thank you for your wonderful thoughts,
L

Geezer

2 years 3 months ago

An evocative...

scene of the aftermath. I see a bright red bird against the stark, black and bare branches of a big tree, silhouetted on the orange-red sky and devastated landscape. Powerful poem in the land of hope! ~ Geez.
.

Lavender

2 years 3 months ago

Hello, Geezer,

The song of the cardinal was almost eerie, but yes, a symbol of hope. The image you describe is spot on. Many people lost most of their possessions, and some are now finding a few belongings miles away from their homes. The community has really come together to help them. What a surreal experience - all of these tornadoes.
Thank you, as always, for reading and commenting,
L

Rula

2 years 3 months ago

Dearest Lavender

I'm sorry you had to go through such horrible scenes. Your piem captured the scene from so many angles.

The second stanza is my favorite. And have to say that the use of the Cardinal is so clever.
Stay safe and be well dear.

Lavender

2 years 3 months ago

Hello, Rula,

So many tornadoes as of late. Nature certainly has great force and power. The next morning, the song of the cardinal was so surreal. It gave pause to all that had happened the night before.
Thank you so much for reading. I always appreciate it.
L