Survival Lessons From the Storm

This is where I spent the night of the storm

the lightening storm.

The small tent on the postage stamp deck

I planed to call home. A book a flashlight next the sleeping bag

such luxury away from the chatter and noise.

A retreat! Lessons to be learned from the frogs and coyotes.

Practice breathing, pay attention to the senses. The bight of sage

the chill of coyotes song followed by the frogs single note. Too

fast. Aw Rain.

How do soldiers not run at the first shot fired? What dies inside

to keep them alive? What poem do they recite? I asked

as the lightning drew near. As long as the frogs kept me company I was just fine.

Count the chirps between thunder and flash. Seven is a mile. Three closer.

None and I’m a quivering ball unable to breath. So much for meditation.

Some where far above my friend hollers E-ha! and I know I’m alive.

That’s how they do it, the solders, they stay awake for each other.

Carol

Margo Rody You asked us to write about Storm. This one took place in Freestone CA not far from where are, if you’re still in Napa. Thanks for the inspiration and opportunity to write this.