After the Derecho

The storm has moved on
And now we emerge from our homes
To see the trees once so green and graceful

Stripped
Snapped 
Broken
Ravaged

Savaged 

As though some drunken storm god 
had used them for toothpicks 
And then tossed them away

We cannot walk without stumbling into fallen trees
their bodies broken and piercing the sky

Bring out the pipers
Bring out the drums
Bring out the fiddles

Play a dirge
Play a lament
Sing our sad songs

Mourn the green passage

Kristin Moyer
July 2, 2025