Aftermath (Hurricane Katrina)

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waves of emotion
crash
the shores
of my mind

Sleep does not come easy.

Foul memories litter
my soul       like
debris unwilling
to move

           Carcasses line streets
           in New Orleans
           amid cars tossed aside like Tonka rejects
           abandoned from play

           Broken bricks bring reminders
           of building blasted by
           unforgiving winds

I am screaming INside
needing to be
Heard

Shaken
at the core
of my being
           Hurricane.

Moving
Outside in
Stunned silence.

Dried tears leave
familiar paths
for new anguish to pour forth

My people fill the streets
my people
fill
the streets

Naked with pain

Cover them
shield them
adorn them in peace

Prosperity.
Purpose.
           Hurricane.

Calling all Excuses
Sorry excuses
Mr. President, will pumps drain away fear?

There's room
in Lake Ponchatrain
next to the filth
the ruins
the perishable
           Hurricane.

I am looking
I am looking

For my mother
For my father
For my sister
For my brother
For my sons and daughters

Have you seen them?

Tell them I am here.

Waiting to receive them… at home.

Gently wrap dignity
around them like a cloak
shield their eyes
from the burning bush

We will provide the Ram.
There shall be no sacrifice this day.
   Hurricane.
No space to feel
   Just survive

Not the time… for questions
                       Just survive
Not the season for blame
                       Just survive

But

When. that. time. comes…

   H-u-r-r-i-c-a-n-e.

A swelling

Black

           Hurricane

                          Named

                                        Change.

Written by Twana Griffin

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