Washed Away... (poem) by Ed Matlack on AuthorsDen

Washed Away...
by Ed Matlack → (All Poetry by Ed Matlack)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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The house on the right is the house we lived in thru the storm, and on the left, the smaller building with the truck is where the house that split in half stood...the porch I played on is the top one with the screened in section...so many memories this old postcard does invoke...ed

It was not a hurricane, wrong time of year, Just a nor�easter with a full moon still to fear, She created havoc on NJ�s coastline, March 6^th, 1962, a punishment by Nature most divine� I was seven living in a beachfront home, Could not go to school, the streets were flooded, Not far that day could I from home roam, Played on the porch and watched the storm grow, From a bit of wind and rain into a snarling beast, The only way to get around was in a boat to row� The old fashioned boardwalk that as kids we did on walk, Was dragged into the ocean, never to be seen again, The ocean did for years under that boardwalk stalk, Old homes of the Victorian age were then ripped from their pilings, Fear was really invoked in me as I saw the home across the street, Be torn asunder and ripped clean in half, Then with one wave sucked out to sea, leaving an empty lot, I was still then no more than a tot� Dad did carry me thru the ever-rising waters, Mom bringing up the rear, got to carry our dog, Ragz, Our home, protected by an amusement park, did nonetheless take a hit, It suffered a wall knocked out and was leaning seaward� Transported off the island in a military helicopter, Bused to Philadelphia to stay with family, Sea Isle was quite literally leveled, few homes still did stand, I will always remember the sound of the bulldozer around our home, All the hobby-horses from the old fashioned merry go round, Were like a moat encircling our home, yes they did us surround� Never again has there been such a storm, 43 years ago, Attacked was Sea Isle City and mercilessly pummeled, She stood to the test and survived, although, All do now forget the power the ocean, Nature and God do possess, Nature and God do not give beauty without some quid pro quo� � ed ~ 8/28/05

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on August 29, 2005

Nature has a will of her own...almost like a hyperactive child...never know what to expect next!!

love Tinka

Reviewed by Reginald Birch (Reader)

Your poem perfectly paints a picture showing the oceans are all powerful, from time immortal they control not only the weather but human life.
But I can see why Ed you love the sea so much, if you are raised by the water you most always will. I think that is why these isles have such a seafaring history as it doesn�t matter where you live in the UK, you are only about 70 miles from the sea.
Take care on them roads,
Reg

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on August 28, 2005

I once endured a storm that shook the old Atlantic City hotels at a conference, so know what you mean. New Orleans is bracing as I write this. Glad you have that postcard.

Ron

Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)

Very philosophical..

Reviewed by SHERRY HEIM

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction...theory fo relativity, nature knows it well. I am glad you made it to safety, Ed and no matter the moments that scare the living daylights out of us, by the sea is still a great place to grow-up.
Take care,
Sherry

Reviewed by Mr. Ed

Nature and God do not give beauty without some quid pro quo�

I believe that to be sadly true - and what a frightening experience that must have been as a young child. And this is quite a powerful nostalgic piece, my friend.

Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)

No land is safe when nature does her thing! Makes me think of times I stayed at a cottage. Wonderful days :-)

This write caputres the nature of the loss and the events that surround it. Glad your home was spared.

Reviewed by Steve Patterson

excellent write.

thanks for sharing this part of your life.
TX