The Big One

California--earthquake country--

Faces a threat that's true:

A massive quake we call the Big One

Is LONG overdue.

 

We must face the facts, and here

Is something to think about:

California's experiencing

A so-called "earthquake drought."

 

The southernmost stretch of the San Andreas

Fault--it appears--

Hasn't had a major rupture

For 340 years!

 

When it happens--man o man!--

We'll be rocking and rolling.

Even though we're better prepared,

That's not too consoling.

 

The ground will shake, overpasses

And bridges may collapse,

And houses can slide off their foundations

As the seconds elapse.

 

Walls will crack, chimneys will topple,

Dishes will crash on the floor.

We will see a mess such as

We've never seen before.

 

Knick-knacks will fly off the shelves.

What else? It's hard to tell,

But bookcases and curio cabinets

Will topple over as well.

 

Objects will fly across the room.

So, be sure to stand clear.

If the magnitude is high,

Damage will be severe.

 

Gas lines, sewage lines,

And water mains may break.

Widespread, destructive fires

May happen after the quake.

 

We may be without power

And water for many days.

Helpless, we will have to stand by

And watch the fires blaze.

 

The Big One could happen now,

Tomorrow, or years down the line.

To scorn its inevitability

Would be asinine.

 

Without warning, the quake will occur.

It's hard not to be scared.

I'm NOT looking forward to that day.

Tell me: are you prepared?

 

-by Bob B (3-5-19)