from seaward it spins
through mangroves teeming with life
aluminum swirls
I wake about quarter after seven as the sun peeks over the eastern edge of Florida. Here, on the west coast, we are in the path of an approaching cold front on this warm January morning. Yesterday, at the Art Fest, vendors speculate on whether or not to pack up and leave before the strong winds and rain hit on Sunday. I mention that in Florida, tornadoes are possible in winter when squalls and embedded cells made landfall. Only three weeks prior, a tornado touched down south and east during another such weaker storm front. Now, as I ponder breakfast and power up the desktop, my phone gives a loud audio alarm with text.
“Tornado Warning in your area. Take shelter immediately.”
I open my front door.
The roar is unmistakable.
The tornado is only a mile away.
I step outside, amongst my neighbors, and begin videoing.
I posted about this event the day after. The link is here. As I mentioned then, despite over 100 homes either damaged or destroyed, there was no loss of life and only a few minor injuries.
There Are More Poets than Stars in the Firmament 