a passing storm

the sky lit green
shocked my nighttime eyes
a color unseen by starlight
shown bold under cloud color

we hudled by windows
aware but uncaring
of the hazards
of the wind
of the rain
of the electicity
that descended and ascended

our evacuation from on high
so hasty as to leave me breathless
pummled by water and air
on my very doorstep
made suddenly aware
of all the could
end this life

now the sun is rising
clear and bright
an orange cast across my skin
i am alone here
in my home, quiet
secure
i had no time to batten down
to prepare for what happened last night
does one ever?

there will still be signs
deep puddles beside the curb
requiring caution as i step down
to cross the street
limbs and leaves of trees
strewn reckless upon the sidewalk
there is a walk of shame upon each block
what was done last night
cannot be undone
the signs are too obvious and easily tripped over

i am glad
that i will be
away
for a while

time to let this heal
time to forget
the silence
between us
between the flash of lightning
between the crash of thunder