Twas the night before Christmas out in the country Everyone was sleeping Snoring can be heard all through the house My gun close by if I were to see a mouse
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care I hope this yummy chocolate candy wasn’t meant to go in there
Out in the hall I made a big clatter Gathering all the necessities for a little late night platter
It was a long drive here And a few cappuccinos has me wired up so sleep is not near
Visions of family time, gifts and snacks While trying to remain focused while driving Singing and dodging all the deer
Now that I think about it I could really go for a beer So out on the porch I sit listening to the sounds Staring at the stars Freezing my ass off even with all my layered winter gear
Pretty sure I hear a pig, or a coyote, maybe a deer But it’s totally normal in these types of towns
I wonder if there are any bears Gasp, OMG the chupacabra could also live here Well frick I hope not If I’m not seen in the morning I probably wandered off in search of the perfect lighting to capture photos of creatures near
The thing about the silence Any and all noise definitely travels around I’m almost certain the rustle of my late night snacks have already awakened The 5 people that live in this town
Quietly watching Anticipating I wander Lost in thought Desperately hoping For the peace That eludes me each night Continually seeking For something I have yet to find In the antelucan hour Between the darkness and light I find beauty Struggling An internal battle Acceptance Forgiveness Yesterhurt reminders Stealing my time Shadowing light I continue Fighting The war inside
Divine beauty Softly shattered Vicious reality Longing & desire Darkness & hate Stunning reflection Assumptions misplaced Perfectly discarded Judgmental society Fueled by jealousy & rage She hides in the shadows Desperately hoping Acceptance takes its place
As I sit here alone, the upstairs window slightly opened, as the rain has temporarily subsided and the silence that I often seek and find comfort in, is almost unbearable as the horror of the last 30 hours consumes me. There are no calls, no texts, no helicopters circling around, no sounds of rushing water below me echoing with the most terrifying sound, no visuals before me of the frightened parents faces and neighbors sitting out of their second story windows because they don’t want to drown, there are no white bed sheets hanging to mark their presence or towels whipping back & fourth in shear desperation on the front porches around me so that they too would soon be found. The saddness, the fear, the heartbreak, the worry, and the blank stares of facing this disaster was undoubtly showing, and is a memory that I will forever carry around. An experience I never wanted but for whatever reason Hurricane Harvey has continued to disrupt, and dance around Texas, just look for the path of greatest destruction and that’s were I’ll be found.
A parade of makeshift rafts, canoes, even whole beds adorned with blow up floats, pool noodles or whatever they had laying around, something…..anything in their quiet desperation that would aid them in getting out safely to help ensure they would be floating and eventually found.
The news is no longer on blaring and enhanced with continual tornado warnings to take cover but instead now I only hear the sound of frogs loudly calling, maybe they too have been forced from their safe place or sanctuary and are looking for their families who are no where to be found.
Maybe these thoughts, questions and surreal memories are too fresh for me to process, since it’s far from being over, as I am still seeking higher ground.
It’s a beautiful Friday morning and I appreciate every single one of you. The connections, the conversations, the likes, your words, your writing, your personalities, your perspective, your photos, I love and appreciate it all!
This is truly a place I feel my most vulnerable and celebrated at the same time. I am so grateful ♥️ it’s because of you, your struggle, your truths, your stories, your jokes, your encouraging words and everything Inbetween!
I’m here, I see it, I feel it, I appreciate it and I offer my deepest gratitude ♥️
Word can not convey the emotions felt daily as I read your words and communicate with you.
You inspire me daily You provoke thought You provide answers You validate my truth You accept me as I am An amazing community
I just thought you should know, I see and I am eternally grateful ♥️
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