Ice and Snow Storm
Rain poured relentlessly
as coldness swallowed the air.
Ice slithered in a crystal view
soul felt cold and bear.
Ice cycles dangled on trees
electric lines fell to the ground.
Deep fog usurer in a starkness
fear came creeping round.
No lights, nor heat..emptiness
comfort escaped the heart.
Desperation gripped deeply
our home and us must part.
Rushing to salt and shovel
making a path to the van.
Breath laboring against icy air
feeling like a frantic man.
Get her to warmth and safety
find a dry place to lay our heads.
The beauty of the ice forming
told a terrible lie instead.
Street lights quite dark
traffic signals off and still.
Sleet, with its constant tapping
took away any potential thrill.
Terror began to set in
as we dodged crackling trees.
Sparks from fallen power lines
flashed a haunting tease.
Searching for safe shelter
glad the van has good heat.
Windshiled wipers struggling
to keep an opening in the sleet.
Streets slick and slushy
building ice moats to the curb.
Cold winds howling relentlessly
a warm day seems but a blurb.
Ah, a lighted motel sign
hope looms close by
but as we pulled onto the lot
the lights faded from our eyes.
Drive on toward another haven
any potential releif in sight.
Glad to see people stirring
in this hellacious wintry night.
A room on the first floor
Judy's wheel chair treading ice
In a few moments warmth set in
all so comfortable and nice.
Awoke to the blaring news
a massive storm of ice and snow.
Hundreds of thousands of people
no heat, lights or place to go.
Day after day we checked
and I drove home to feed the pets.
finally took them to shelter
you know how cold it gets.
TVdinners from micro wave oven
fast food joints at a premium
Services rare and far apart
needs rising up fast as helium.
The few stores opened , crowded
short on stock and services.
People in droves seeking food
most smile but looking nervous.
Horay! power back on at home
spread salt and shovel the walk.
Neighbors waving a sigh of relief
all anxiously wanting to talk.
Four days and nights at the motel
because of historic ice and snow.
Now that its over for me
I wanted you to know.
Del Cano 2006 December
4 comments:
How terrible for you and Judy. Trees cracking and breaking and powerlines down and you driving under terrible conditions to find a warm safe place. So glad you are home now and hope another storm like that doesnt ever come again. Your poem tells it all and makes me see what you went through.
Myke
Wow what an experience to go through. I can remember ice storms up in New York, trees snapping, power outages from when I was younger. This storm affected so many though, glad you came through okay...can feel the experience through your poem really well...hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year....with fond regards, Sandi
Hi Spencer,
Did not get an alert on this .....I am glad you and Judy are okay. Bam
very moving
natalie
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