GHOSTS OF JOPLIN.

i long to meet

the ghosts of Joplin.

i wish to lay

on the ground below

and listen to the voices

humming in the dirt

watch them lift 

in the wind,

twirling in 

remembrance.

flashes of lights

in dirty water and

shattered stars,

lost vessels far from home.

i want to know

the faces within

twister's turmoil

and thunder's weave.

the diplomas destroyed,

the dreams deferred,

the voices silenced,

and the bodies ground.

if you speak to me.

i'll speak to you,

and we can remember

or we can choose not to.

either way,

i am here,

and i am ready to learn

about the finger of God.

Author's Note

May 22nd, 2011. An F-5 tornado ripped through the city of Joplin, Missouri, causing damage so widespread that they're still rebuilding all this time later.

I grew up in a family where severe weather was a constant topic -- my grandfather was a Hurricane Hunter -- so I have always had this fascination with it. I do love tornado history and learning about how they function and why they are as powerful as they are, so, I wrote an ode to the town of Joplin.

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

'i wish to lay
on the ground below
and listen to the voices
humming in the dirt

watch them lift
in the wind,
twirling in
remembrance.'

Your use of letters is incredibly visual... must return time and time again.

[Samuel Dickens]

God's finger is awsome, and it's power can no better be demonstrated than the formation of a tornado. In this part of the world, Joplin's story is not an unfamiliar one.

[Grumpie]

Somber, but sweet. You have a very light touch with words.