The weatherman says (out loud)
"This is a dangerous cloud"
(GREAT!!  Just what I want to hear
Severe storms, my greatest fear)

At the radar, take a peek
Warning sirens start to shriek
(A bad storm is on its way
This is ALL I need today)

Look out, don't like what I see
Sky rolling in agony
(I don't like the looks of this
Gonna show my cowardice)

The clouds are dark, greenish-black
In the distance, lightning cracks
(Oneonethousandtwoonethou--
BOY that one was close--and HOW)

Rainfall slashing with the wind
Suddenly, large hail begins
(O no O no PLEASE no Lord
It sounds like a twister's roar)

As the warning sirens blare
I'm terrified, getting scared
(NOW where am I gonna hide
Where's the safest place inside)

There's no shelters where I live
By my fear, I'm held captive
(Here in my TINY half-bath
Bet I'm in the twister's path)

THIS ain't good--HATE small places
My heartbeat races--races
(Drat!  The power just went out
(I'M GONNA DIE--have no doubt)

Find a candle, light the wick
OW burned myself with the Bic
(LOVE sitting here in the dark
TARGET PRACTICE!  Here's your mark!)

Light the candle, once again
Here the howling of the wind
(Sure hope it calms down, REAL soon
CAN'T BREATHE in this tiny room!)

The storm goes by--I am safe
But my nerves are worn and chafed
(Can we skip those storms, severe?
Must I cringe in abject fear?)

(C) Karla Dorman, 2002 (revised, 2003)