A Storm Story

        The destruction continued for hours, and I wondered if it would ever end. I inspected the scene with a vultures eye. In every direction debry could be scene littered around. Some were even becoming airborne as the storm used them as missiles. Garbage cans that were not tied down were scattered around making an unpleasant sight. The neighborhood looked abandoned, as if a nuclear bomb had been dropped and claimed all forms of life. The vicious winds were beginning to die down, but the rain still poured. The water had begun to flood, so those houses that were built on low foundations began to feel the effects of the water. Our house was built higher than most, so if we were lucky we might escape it. As I sat looking out the window, I was in shock. After an entire day of reeking havoc, the monster had managed to devour the peaceful neighborhood I once knew. In its place was an old beaten down area, stripped of all its luxurious greenery that made others envious. I wondered if we could get back to normal after this, that is if we survived.

        “The eye” of the hurricane had already passed, so the wind picked up again. The trees were being whipped so hard I wondered if they were being punished for sins committed in a former life. The wind in all its fury even began peeling the paint off of some houses.The rain beat on the roof with immense intensity. The occasional flash of lightening brought light to the tenebrious environment. More trees were maimed and brutalized by the harsh wind. Shingles were lifted and dispersed profusely over the ground by the howling wind. It was quite obvious who was the master of this storm. The wind was in control, causing whatever damage it pleased. During the worst part of the hurricane, we had to crack windows at both ends of our home to ensure that the roof was not lifted off. At one point, astray dog dared to venture out into the storm, and was dragged across the pavement by the forceful wind. I did not see where it was carried nor did I see if it was still alive after its daring move.

        After sometime, the wind ceased its attack. Many could be seen in the still of the evening peeping out of their houses with candles, flashlights or the lighting instrument of their choice. The more courageous ones went outside to inspect the damage done to their property. Some found simple property damage in the form of delicate trees snapped In two. Others found miscellaneous debris on their like garbage and branches. The unfortunate many however, who did not properly prepare their homes had broken windows and damaged furniture. One unlucky individual  roof was taken off so he lost everything.

        As I sat and watched the scenery, I glanced at the sky. The menacing clouds were low and heavy in the sky, like locks blown forward in the gleam of eyes. The picturesque view up above did not concur with the battle ground image below. This caused me to wonder how something so beautiful as that could cause so much damage.