by Tricia Rinkel - Defiance, Ohio
How did it happen?
It was late August when it was reported
“Leave now! Leave now!” as houses were boarded
The city of New Orleans and surrounding areas too
Were scared and nervous – what should they do?
The warnings came again that one late afternoon
“Leave your home! Leave your home! And leave it soon!”
Big or little, rich or poor
“Go now, go now, right out your door!”
Dogs, cats, disabled and black
“Leave now, leave now – there is no time to pack!”
The prediction did seem to be somewhat insane
What was expected? A category 4 hurricane!
It would be a disaster – and this time – no one to blame
For all of the suffering, heartache and pain
Most took it seriously
And headed out fiercely
Some went North, some East and some West
Staying with family they thought would be best
Many followed the orders, demanded by State
“Report to the Superdome – you cannot afford to be late!”
This was a dome – and for days, their home
Surrounded by thousands, yet all alone
Whipping winds first blew stronger and stronger
In time they knew it wouldn’t be much longer
White-peaked waves came in harder – then higher
A disaster is tragic whether wind, water or fire
The pressure from Katrina caused the levees to break
And water rushed in, the city — a lake
Believe it or not, some people did stay
To ride out Katrina on that awful, terrible day
Reality began when Katrina reached their toes
Within minutes, it was even – right with their nose
The people were stuck with just one place to go
So they climbed to the top, it was the attic they chose
Where they hammered and chiseled their worries and woes
With such disbelief as they climbed to their roof
They opened their eyes to an instant – POOF!
Blinking, rubbing and thinking -- maybe a goof
But, no, no goof, what was it that they saw
Not a city – no – not a city at all
No buildings, no churches, no stores or stations
No homes, no restaurants or a place for a vacation
And back to the stadium, it turned into violence
As our nation stood back in awe and in silence
Looting, hurting, shooting, no doubt
Surviving, living, that’s what it’s about
Everything destroyed in Katrina’s path of destruction
That only support and love to help build new construction
Even one’s pride they choose to hide
As they bury their heads to cry inside
As they must go on with what’s on their backs
They place all they own in one small sack
Now – that is how it happened...
But now, how will it end?
Loved ones are gone, and people left bare
But no time is given for grief and despair
There is no time to sit back on your lazy chair
Let’s embrace our nation and show that we care
What can we do? Where should we start?
It doesn’t really matter, just give from the heart
If you have that desire to help and pitch in
Maybe you can start in your very own kitchen
Search high, search low
Maybe send them some “dough”
Look in, look out, you can look all around
Let’s get this message flowing through our town
Love and prayers is what we can send
And anything we find, we are willing to lend
Because working together in helping things mend
That in itself – is how it will end
No comments:
Post a Comment