It's windstorm season again. From the Gulf
Coast up the Atlantic we're thinking about what foods and drink we have to stock
in case of hurricane. From mid-Florida through the entire mid-west
tornadoes are now getting a late start. Hilda Graham has seen a major one
first-hand - and has sent us another poem. She writes:
"I lived in Lubbock at this time and wrote this poem early in the morning of May 12th 1970.
It was quite an experience which I hope never to go through again, even though I
was not right in the storm's path."
Lubbock Tornado May 11th, 1970
It came from out the sky that night
A dark and ugly mass
and left a pile of rubble
of all within its path
No one foresaw the horror
that nature brought about
but of its strength and fury
of that there was no doubt
It picked up cars and buildings
and tossed them to the ground
and filled the hearts with terror
of those who were around
And as it traveled onward
its fury grew and grew
no one could stop this monster
or knew just what to do
The town was plunged in darkness
all communications lost
no one would know for sure
just what this storm had cost
Some people were on a journey
passing through the town
but their journey ended
when this funnel came down
Others who witnessed its happening
were filled with awe and dread
many of them were injured
and alas a few were dead
But when the night was ended
and daylight came at last
much of the town had been destroyed
in the hours past
Families were left homeless
their belongings blown away
they would remember always
that eleventh day of May
But out of all this sorrow
we found a lot to gain
because people helped their neighbor
and shared in all their pain
Soon homes were found for everyone
help came from all around
and as a town came back to life
new hope and love was found.
