when i was three, Katrina was a Three
she paid me a visit
but i ran to the Windy City
and remained for six months

when i returned, Katrina was gone
but she took with her
everything i knew
my car, my couch, my carpet

she left behind a broken home
and forced me to sleep
in a freezing tent
in my front yard

she left behind broken spirits
no source of income
no school to attend
no understanding of why

at three years old
i just wanted my bed
i wanted dry floors
i wanted to life before the storm

i felt your warmth
wrapped up
in your red coat

i felt your weight
holding me tight
when you were far away

i felt your world
little by little
becoming my own

i felt your weakness
the smell of cigarettes
kept me nauseous

i felt your withdrawal
your distance
your final goodbye

and then
i felt nothing