You tore my beliefs from their foundation
I lay, cut and broken, looking at a calm blue sky
While thunder threatens a repeat and rain soaks my skin.
I’m too shocked to realize this is not my imagination.
The fierce wind took my breath and I can’t get it back no matter how hard I try.
Words stumble over my tongue and don’t make it over the din.
I sensed something brewing, yet went forward with blind eyes
The anger rising like heat waves from the concrete.
The sadness leaching from the pavement, fueling the air.
It never ceases to amaze me, the fact that I’m surprised.
My thoughts, flailing about like a child’s tantrum, never complete.
Suddenly, it's upon me, and I walk into its lair.
Welcome inside the bear’s cage.
You won’t see me coming in the wrapping rain.
I’m going to tear you apart until there’s nothing more.
Everything you ever wanted, exploding in the windy rage...
till nothing remains.
Choke the inflow,
transition to a new tower,
repeat as before.
When I saw the tornado that hit Tuscaloosa live on TV, I knew it was going to be bad. When that was confirmed the next morning, I took off work, threw a chain saw and tools in a car and headed down. I had no idea what I was getting into.
There are several perspectives in this poem.
Stanza 1 is from the perspective of one of the people I met when I was down there.
Stanza 2 is the from my own perspective wondering why I couldn't get myself together to be of more help and lingering aspects of failing in meteorology school.
Stanza 3 is from the perspective of the tornado.
I should have been of more help when I was there, but now channel that into volunteering in Joplin.