Note: I graduated from Enterprise H.S. in Alabama in 1983. While I resisted the move from northern Virginia / D.C. to the small town where the boll weivel was revered and high school football reigned supreme, it was a beautiful community I grew to love. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the deadly tornadoes in Alabama, South Georgia and elsewhere.

Twenty-four years ago
I walked those halls with you.

Remember how we believed ourselves
to be kings and queens
invincible
indomitable
unforgettable?

Who would have imagined force of wind
that would come out of nowhere and
dismantle our dreams
reorder priorities
scatter us?

I was surprised to find myself crying at
halls once hallowed now hollowed,
the stadium splintered
parked cars dissheveled
your locker hall blown away.

Circulating column spun across my screen,
ripped through me, reminding me of
when we left Wildcat days behind
and set out to find our treasure
not knowing we held it all along.

Who would have imagined force of life
that would come out of nowhere and
erase the evidence of youth
rearrange what mattered
squelch our innocence?

Remember how we remained convinced
we would never become like them,
give up or give in
give it away
give out?

Twenty-four years ago
I walked those halls with you.