It began like any other
Starting with the dawn
The day was beautiful
And in peace
Upon the horizon there rested
A few gray clouds
With no threat in their mind
Upon the day’s awakening
Clouds grew and the sun
Became hazy from sight
Clouds beckoned the sun to disappear
But it wouldn’t go without a last say
With bright, beaming light
The sun shone down upon the land
In a whispering farewell
Was lost of sight
The day carried on
And upon midday
A threat arose
The clouds grew dark and dense
The winds began to rise
A race to safety
As danger approached
The swift wind gathered speed
And then … silence
No whispering of the wind could be heard,
Nor singing birds, or frightened animals,
Only the racing beating of our four hearts
Beating as one
Deep breaths of air, preparing, waiting
Mother Nature’s fury has been released
The sound like a freight train
The breaths of screams held back
A tear shed
Within a moment … silence once more
A tentative step outside
Fallen trees with broken limbs
Leaves still fluttering from the dying winds
Gasps are heard in awe
Of the destruction
The side of a barn lies at our feet
From a mile up the road
It looks broken and misplaced
Where it lays
Standing up it would appear stable
However, nothing is stable in our minds
A step around and more is seen
Shingles, leaves, and wood litter the ground
Our house shifted, yet still stands
Walking down the road we see open fields
Where great pines once stood
The sky looks sad
It wants to be forgiven
For the pain and fear it harbored
The sun was still in shame
For letting us down
It hides behind the great wall of gray
Neighbors come out to see
How the world fairs
No one was hurt
Except a few days later
We hear of a terrible death
And a long searching recovery
A dear lady
Experienced a defying flight
Her life was lost but she lives on
Her family was safe
Later the sky begins to clear
And the sun begins to shine
A breath of new air
A breath of new hope
Things are no longer the same
Yet they remain in our hearts
Some were lucky
Some were less fortunate
Yet we all endure
Forever and always we will continue
For we will never be forgotten
We all will survive