Ike, you gave us a fright
We hunkered down all night
Howling winds carving through the city
Taking no prisoners, taking no pity
Galveston submerged like a submarine
Where once stood a city, proud and serene
Ike, your predecessor was calm and collect
A world war II hero to the chosen and select
Who risked their lives for country and freedom
Against dictators evil and gruesome
Your path cut through Texas like the Normandy invasion
Or Sherman’s march through an uncivil nation
Armored with battery-powered radios and flashlights
Anxiously awaiting recovery from flight
People left homeless with doubt and fear
Families at risk of losing everything dear
Turn to God for hope in prayer
To remove uncertainty and despair
But out of the pit of devastation and unnerve
We are comforted by heroes ready to serve
Policemen, firefighters, emergency crews arrive
Foregoing their loved ones to help us survive
The story is the same in any natural disaster
People help people as taught by our Master
Reminds me of the Calif Napa Valley Earthquake, houses demolished, much damage, but people are still pulling together and working together. Sometimes it takes a disaster for this.
This unusual paring of Ike with hope reminds me so much of the tales of Haiti after its horrendous earthquake.
My wife, Jennie, and I have been sponsoring Haitian students for the past three years in our home while they take scholarly classes at Duquesne University. Their stories about people-helping-people during the minutes, hours, days and months after such devastation came to mind when I read your poem.
Thanks!
A. Keith,
I am a Hurricane Ike victim/survivor. Ike ripped an 18 x 24 foot hole in our roof after deciding our brick chimney needed to be pushed through our vaulted ceiling to rest in our living room. I am fascinated by your comparison between the storm and the battles waged throughout history. What a wonderful way of displaying the strength of a region that will, sadly, be suffering for a long time to come.
You have my utmost respect.
Thank you,
Jill Eisnaugle
Stunning comparison to a hurricane and a general: both had battle plans, both moved in with the stealth of wind. Very well done, glad to hear you made it through. Galveston my very favorite city in Texas: my heart breaks for her and her people! Stay safe, 'hear? Well done.
From the author of Jupiter Remembered and Until It’s Time: Embracing Life In Our Later Years comes Petals of Love: Poetry of a Woman’s Soul – a heartfelt collection spanning more than thirty-five years. Through tender reflections, these poems offer g
A further collection of poems, many from years in the Middle East, but also the California San Francisco and Central Coast areas (Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, Berkeley, etc.).
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My wife, Jennie, and I have been sponsoring Haitian students for the past three years in our home while they take scholarly classes at Duquesne University. Their stories about people-helping-people during the minutes, hours, days and months after such devastation came to mind when I read your poem.
Thanks!
I am a Hurricane Ike victim/survivor. Ike ripped an 18 x 24 foot hole in our roof after deciding our brick chimney needed to be pushed through our vaulted ceiling to rest in our living room. I am fascinated by your comparison between the storm and the battles waged throughout history. What a wonderful way of displaying the strength of a region that will, sadly, be suffering for a long time to come.
You have my utmost respect.
Thank you,
Jill Eisnaugle
Be always safe,
Karen
Stunning comparison to a hurricane and a general: both had battle plans, both moved in with the stealth of wind. Very well done, glad to hear you made it through. Galveston my very favorite city in Texas: my heart breaks for her and her people! Stay safe, 'hear? Well done.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.