how many years has he
shared warned cajoled explained
the likelihoods percentages and possibilities
where storms could land
still they argue
point to past failures and misses
their anecdotes and myths raised to the status of fact
he looks at his maps
the tiny mass of whirling white
swirling counterclockwise
this one is a monster
he apologizes for his tears
he is still in the throes of trauma
knowing how many folks died two weeks ago
when dire pleadings went unheeded
maybe he realizes that
his friends who will not leave their cats
may not survive this storm
he wipes his eyes
he has no life preservers to toss
no life jackets to dispense
no paddleboards or inflatable rafts to offer
he only has science
and statistics
and words he hopes will save lives
he takes off his glasses
holds his head in his hands
i hope i’m wrong this time
Stella Graham-Landau has lived in hurricane territory most of her life. She has great respect for the power of these named storms and much gratitude for the meteorologists who share their insights in an effort to keep us safe.
