Ode to 2011

This was written one year ago. So thankful for an easier year in 2012, in many ways!


Ode to 2011
We shall not soon forget.
2011, a record breaking year
Blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods
Twelve months of destruction, causing some to fear.

The shimmering snow fell foot after foot.
New England weather, no longer friend-but foe.
Torrents of rain, sheeting down
The fierce winds, they did blow

Streets uncleared, school and business’ closed
January blizzards left us in distress
As roofs groaned and collapsed under ‘the mother load’.
For week after exhausting week, we shoveled the frozen mess.

Bursting rivers beyond their banks
As spring rains fell, weathermen eyed the record page
Homeowners and shopkeepers huddled, helpless
As uncaring waters swallowed buildings, in rage.

Air so thick, victims tossed in it’s angry fog
There was a night sky with an eerie hue
When it was over, we learned her name
Destruction-clothed in green, purple, and blue.

Anticipating carefree days under the shining sun
With outstretched arms, summer we did embrace
Short-lived joy, as temperatures soared to record heights
Behind air conditioners and fans, we did hide our face.

August finally arrived and Irene came to visit.
An unwelcome guest, we did not need
She laid  ancient trees to waste, left our state in the dark
Then, we stood in long lines for showers and the MRE’s we’d receive.

Yet again, plans quickly derailed
Just as mail delivery had resumed, telling of the school start date
Irene’s cousin Lee, had come ashore
As flood waters once again rose, we wondered at our fate.

Breathe in the crisp cool air
View the brilliant colors of fall, now beginning to show
Walk slowly, while an apple you crunch
For next month-we welcome back the snow. 



MaryEllen (Mel) Smith Tavares © 2011