I pray for all those affected by storms, by fires, by civil unrest, and by so many private calamities.
Hurricane roars over the horizon
and they grab the most beloved things,
pack everything into the car,
one last trip through the house,
and they’re gone.
Soldiers enter the village, ravaging,
and the family leaves by the other road,
belongings in bundles on their heads.
Fire marches down the hill
with total disregard,
the eaves catch,
smoke drinks each room,
they reach for the treasures
and they’re out.
The world’s house
is always on fire,
God clearing out
with you under her arm.
– October 13, 20017