by Rochelle Ratner
on this, the storm's first anniversary. Vivid photos.
Bright blue skies and golden water, the facade left on
some buildings also golden. Reflected orange flames
are sheer magnificence. Red cars wading up to their
bumpers look as if they'd always yearned to swim.
Outside the Convention Center, even the camouflage
uniforms are reflected bright tan and green in
standing water. A little boy's riding piggy-back.
And no matter how high it rises, water covers refuse.
The New York Woman who once thought of herself as a
photographer turns to look at the dull blues, greys
and browns of her wedding photos. It was pouring
rain that day. The brightest spot is two blurry parrots
on their shoulders a month later, in Florida. She
thinks of them as her children.
Rochelle Ratner's latest poetry books include Balancing Acts (Marsh Hawk Press, 2006), Beggars at the Wall (Ikon, 2006) and House and Home (Marsh Hawk Press, 2003). She is the author of fifteen previous poetry collections and two novels (Bobby’s Girl and The Lion’s Share) both published by Coffee House Press). More information and links to her writing on the Internet can be found on her homepage.