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The eye of the storm
Huge fluffy clouds began to form over
Sanibel Island as the salted gulf splashed
against the rocks around the lighthouse
coastal waters rose up as a calming coolness
carried this gentle warm breeze over to the
mouth Captiva island as I collected sand dollars
after abruptly leaving Izzy’s seafood the tropical
breeze ignited blankets of wind chimes warning
me that the storm is brewing settling over Marco
Island I quickly noticed lightning striking all the
way clear from Tampa the lightening capital of
the world now rushing down the beach on my
teal beach cruiser bike my basket full of shells
as I arrived to the squeaking docks of my humble
townhome palm trees were swaying while two pink
flamingos were dancing as several star fish cluttered
the door way clinging to a few sea horses I heard a
very strange sound out back behind my screen door
a there were three sea turtles that washed up from
the sandy shores I rescued them putting them in a
fishbowl my red poodles began whining and whimpering
to come inside the breeze rushed through the Lenai
basically my large patio plants toppled over the clouds
rolled in a soft sun ray peeking through as raindrops
started to fall in the mist were tiny rainbow droplets
a sudden brilliant colorful glow across the sky
breaking news four hurricanes in view I did
inventory my hurricane kit check list flash light
sand bags batteries bottled water non perishable
food radio a few bottles of wine my rosary candles
lighter matches I’m glued to the Telly hurricane hitting
the coast as four pelicans fish for dinner quickly dropping
straight from the sky splashing into the river emerging
with giant fish in their bills and large beaks while an
eager school of shark gather dolphins flipping catching
waves pushing stingrays closer to the shores shuffling
my feet trying not to startle them and get stung
I continue gathering more clams for my famous chowder
looking over the Edison bridge the tides is rolling
in fast an yet a quiet calm warm breeze surrounds
the bay the news reporter announcing from wink news
right up the street he has his family at the station
with an interpreter speaking in sign language evacuation
is causing a stand still for Florida residents and visitors
trying to leave to get to higher ground basically flee to
Georgia it’s too late thunder was raging overhead as
my poodles and I look for cover in the bathroom tub
I removed the mattress from the bed to place over us
no windows it’s my ground zero here the news guy points
to colorful spaghetti strings on the large screen to tell
the direction of the storm the strength of the storm from
category four to seven and there is was everything all dark
it was as if God was pouring buckets of water from heaven
heavy splashes lights flickering on and off the news man
said with tears in his eyes lump in his throat it’s here folks
God bless you all hug your families and hunker down
I lay beneath the mattress in the tub with my poodles
as I heard a screeching sound so loudly peeling the aluminum
roof opened and back it like the lid of a sardine can exposing
the stone cinder block continuing on to Port Charlotte in
seconds levelling the two towns over I emerged from my
safe haven to find the birds singing all the plants were much
greener much brighter no more moss debris hanging from
the tall palm trees I noticed an iguana on my window ledge
I named him Iggy later found out my new friend Iggy was
actually a baby alligator he was released back into the wilds
I am quite taken by the wonderful way god protects the earth
the animals the trees we are all family we are all connected
to nature connected to god’s purpose under this brilliant sun
the cool waters were calm again not raging it is finished I did
my three hail marys and four our fathers and I pop my cork
placed my feet in the soft sand wiggling my toes smiled
and start shelling again collecting brilliant beautiful shells
pearls treasures from above sea pearls sharks teeth gemstones
tiny seashells zebra shells tiger shells even floral shell these
beautiful pebbles designed by nature are placed in wine bottles
the wine bottles are melted into wind chimes and beach
art the corks are also used for beach art placed with rocks
as mulch for landscaping to hold moisture in the flowers
and plants to prevent flooding the circle of life begins again
in memory of surviving being under the eye of these horrific
storms of the century all I can say is God bless you folks
hug your family and hunker down and have a blessed day
Written by Yolanda Nicholsen 5-18-2024 Embracing
natural disasters remembering feeling blessed surviving
Florida hurricanes the calm after the storm
Charley August 13th 2004 Fort Myers Beach Florida
Lisa
Gene
Hugo
Dean
Ian
Maria
Irma
Tropical storm Jerry
Copyright ©
Yolanda Nicholsen
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