Afternoon Storms

10 years ago it stormed. It has stormed many times before and since. Some of the storms have threatened the foundation of life, for many. Some foundations proved to be nothing more than sand concealing a sinkhole waiting to swallow the inattentive and unsuspecting. It's hard when you watch someone fall into a hole, all the while knowing it was as predictable as the passing of time!

When they were only 9 or 10 years old my daughter was fearful for her friend as an afternoon thunderstorm approached. Her friend was home alone, again, and afraid of storms, which is an almost daily occurrence in the summers of Florida, with thunder and lightening that shocks and startles even the strongest. They sought shelter in our house and the thought of that child being alone so often, and sometimes in fear, made me extremely thankful that my children and I were not in that position!

This is the result of those thoughts.

Mommy, when the winds pick up

-and the skies turn dark,

--when the thunder threatens

---my trembling heart,

----do you worry for me?

-----The days are long when I'm alone,

------when you are there, when I'm at home.

Mommy, when in the distance through the pane

-sunshine concedes to pounding rain,

--do you look this way and fear to see

---Storm clouds over home and me?

----I wish you were here.

-----The days are long when I'm alone,

------when you are there, when I'm at home.

I wonder Mommy, do you consider

-perhaps I need you more,

--More than all the things

---you work so hard for,

----do you have to go?

-----The days are long when I'm alone,

------when you are there, when I'm at home.

When I am frightened are you too?

-Do you long for me as I long for you?

--When I wish I was there do you wish you were here?

---If you were I know I'd have nothing to fear.

----Do you miss me?

-----The days are long when I'm alone

------when you are there, when I'm at home.

Maybe tomorrow you'll stay with me,

-that's how I wish it would always be.

--I'll be here waiting, child that I am,

---I'll wait, as long as I have time.

----Is there enough time?

-----The days are long when I'm alone

-----when you are there, when I'm at home.

Tomorrow, maybe my fears will subside,

-I'll have no need to huddle and hide,

--having weathered the storms of life after all,

---maybe, because I'm no longer small.

----Where did the child go?

-----The days were long, I was alone,

------you looked away, the child is grown.

P.J.