Never Been Anything Like It

Never Been Anything Like It

I. Overlord

Now let the rains come, 
now, and now, down, down. 
Let winds lash the rains 
day and night and
the roar of waters
be heard in every home, 
until all, all is awash,
city streets overwhelmed, 
reservoirs overtopped, 
rivers become lakes,
lands over-ruled,
world become water.

II. Underling

Wet, cold, wet and alone,
he hears the dark rush of water, 
feels the steady might of wind, 
clings to the roof he owns outright, 
mouths his prayer, Hold on, 
hold-on-they’ll-come...

III. Volunteer

Take the tiller.
We got enough gas
for one more run.
If I can just get her restarted,
we’ll head east of Buffalo Bayou
to those folks you spotted on their roofs. 
Pray God the wind doesn’t pick up
and they’re still holding on. Pete,
keep that pump going. Jake,
this is no time to quit bailing.


                                                             —Sef, 8/29/2017