Waiting, Watching...

While watching the distant tempest

now boiling the tropical seas,

my mind fills like a mizzen pulled taught

by a strong, unfortunate breeze.

Transported back by memory

to a pirouetting ballerina,

hiding her death-dance across the Gulf

behind the sweet name, Katrina.

We had intruded upon her dance floor,

thus, she broke our homes and hearts.

Yet, it was her's alone to coreograph,

then masterfully perform her part.

Now watching a distant tempest

as he broils and gains his steam,

I wonder if he will cook with Mexico

or will New Orleans be minced by Dean.

If he should choose the latter

I will most certainly leave it for him.

The question on which I will ride away:

Will I intrude on their ground again?

Thanks for reading,

Robb

Comments: 14

Penny G. Aug 18, 2007, 7:19pm EDT

Great poem, Robb. I see you've been glued to the news in the tropics today, like most of us here. Let's hope Dean picks another dance partner...NOLA's had her fill!

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Robb F. Aug 18, 2007, 7:26pm EDT

Yeah, you right sista! Hi Penny.......I think you know the feeling I express in the last lines.........and that truly would be a question that I would seriously consider.

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Olivera J. Aug 18, 2007, 7:40pm EDT

Oh Robb.... And so close to the anniversary too. I've been so blue for weeks and now this..

Great job on the poem!

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Faith H. Aug 18, 2007, 7:44pm EDT

I get edgier myself with each new storm announced. Good piece, Robb!

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Robb F. Aug 18, 2007, 8:50pm EDT

Thanks Olivera.
I know what you mean about being "blue." That's one reason for my ending with that question......or is it a questionable ending???

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Robb F. Aug 18, 2007, 8:54pm EDT

Thank you, Faith.
I had a sinking feeling about this particular one when it formed so quickly, just off the coast of Africa. Before two years ago I did not pay much attention to a tropical system until it neared the Carribean or near Bermuda further north.

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Bundy P Aug 18, 2007, 10:12pm EDT

It's a scary situation, Robb...there were a bunch of us discussing the possibilities around the bar at Drago's yesterday. I'll be leaving for Atlanta soon, anyway, thanks to Katrina.

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Robb F. Aug 18, 2007, 10:24pm EDT

Ah Drago's........Crazy Johnny's,.......

Yes Bundy, your pending move to Falconland probably gives you a different perspective on this one and future Gulf Coast "weather events."

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Angela B (There IS a light at the end of the tunnel) Aug 23, 2007, 10:00am EDT

Very well-written poem, Robb. I used to live in Louisiana, and Hubby grew up there, though we were fortunately elsewhere by the time Miss K paid her visit to New Orleans. Brad Pitt was on the Today Show yesterday talking about some of the new, green homes they are building in the lower 9th ward, and he pulled no punches, stating that people have the misconception that Katrina was a natural disaster when really the disaster was manmade. I find your poem to be haunting, a little sad. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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Robb F. Aug 23, 2007, 11:15am EDT

Thank you very much Ms. Angela. Your sense of the poem as "haunting" confirms my feeling when I penned it. As I've shared with others, I'm am not afraid of another storm hitting or what it might do to my "home" as my family and I will be long gone. I have the haunting feeling that I would not be able to muster the emotional strength to go through the resulting turmoil of waiting, wondering, rebuilding, etc.

I have been living in the N.O. area for about a decade. I am originally from Baton Rouge. Where were you guys located?

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