Now that the worst is over, they predict Something messy and difficult, though not Life-threatening. Clearly we needed To stock up on water and candles, making Tureens of soup and things that keep When electricity fails and phone lines fall. Igloos rise on air conditioners, gargoyles Fly and icicles shatter. Frozen runways, Lines in markets, and paralyzed avenues Verify every fear. But there is warmth In this sudden desire to sleep, To surrender to our common condition With joy, watching hours of news Devoted to weather. People finally stop To talk to each other - the neighbors We didn't know were always here. Today they are ready for business, Armed with a new vocabulary, Casting their saga in phrases as severe As last night's snow: damage assessment, Evacuation, emergency management. The shift of the wind matters again, And we are so simple, so happy to hear The scrape of a shovel next door.
Added: 7 Apr 2002 | Last Read: 16 Apr 2021 4:13 AM | Viewed: 5073 times
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