Nuclear Nightmare

The enemy strikes an air force base

17 miles from our home.

Blinding light. We flee windows

and patio door. Seconds later

glass explodes through rooms.

Wood surfaces smoke.

The shock wave an earthquake. 

Then a thunderous explosion,

mushroom cloud billowing,

its core roiling flames.

Check that spouse has survived,

then think of daughter, 20 miles

north. Will her office still stand?

What next? Grocery stores looted,

banks overwhelmed, cash and water

hoarded.

I awake in  sweat. Clutch the Bible.

My forehead on cool grain of leather.