POEM: STORMPHOBIC

[Karla Dorman]

Image, (c) Karla Dorman

POEM: STORMPHOBIC

jagged lightning splits
angry, bruised-black skies
the clouds shattered by
shockwaves of thunder -
sound -- very intense

the warning sirens
wail - the sound chills my
blood -- fear grips my heart
CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT
I'M SUPPOSED TO DO

strobe flashes of light
illuminates the
fear on my face -- of
knowing the massive
storm IS STALKING ME

i know the roar of
rainfall mixed with hail
hides the screaming of
a tornado -- i
imagine the worst

all i can do is
hide in the shelter
of a downstairs room
central location
i pray it's enough

the power dies -- i'm
sure i'll be next -- so
afraid -- the thunder
outside absorbs the
thunder of my heart

i am shaking scared
panic overtakes
my mind WHAT WAS THAT
breathing is ragged
must calm down BUT HOW

sweat runs down my face
feel like i'm gonna
die -- feel stupid
'cause no one else acts
like this when it storms

more time between the
flash of lightning and
sound of thunder -- rain
seems to be easing
winds are not as strong

the storm loses its
intensity -- THANK
GOD i've survived -- it's
over -- until the
next severe storm comes

(c) 2002, Karla Dorman.

[Aberjhani]

The images of your words plus that of your photography combine to make a poweruful creative statement on nature and human fragility. I could feel and see every line as generally is the case when reading your work.

Aberjhani