One Time

 

 

 

 

 

Our street after Hurricane Sandy

(a year ago, October 29 2012) 

 

Evacuate!

 

Some listened, some ignored

Some left, some stayed

As the storm crept up the coastline

 

One

Time

Mattered:
 

Her arrival

 

And when her time came,

She lashed out pent up rage,

Swirling and smashing, tearing and toppling

In a tantrum, daring to destroy 

Too late

To evacuate 

Ocean water invaded homes

Killing memories

Of other times, special times 

When her stamina waned

And she faded into a gentle breeze

Time changed for those she abused 

Thrust back to pioneer days—

Time measured by the setting sun;

Dusty lanterns found;

Unused jars of scented candles

Now lit

Cloaked the darkness with vanilla and jasmine;

Blankets replaced heaters,

Canned food replaced meals,

Tears replaced time

 

How long til time passes

And tick-tocks back to normal?

Days were cancelled

Scribbled events on calendars

Never happened

Time stops when towns are torn

 

But who owns time?

Who controls tomorrow?

He who made today

Who gives and takes away

 

Some see the ruin

Some see the light

 
Storms will happen

Stealing what we cannot hold

Stealing time,  

So

One

Time

Matters . . .

Eternity