Emergency

the truck loses the brake
static at the edge of the tank
dragonfly floats stopped in stopped time
children play unsuspecting
and the sun knows nothing
even in the shade there's something wrong
the truck is far away but it comes
the children are close
they don't see that the dragonfly flies insect
then as a missile penetrates the water
someone is waving somewhere
no one knows the pain that will come
the insect comes out of the tank
disappears into thin air
the children scream in despair
the old truck arrives all smoke
these quiet cities always seem
a disaster about to begin.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Hankins Avatar
April 25, 2022 at 7:29 PM
Frightening images all wrapped up in a metaphor for impending disaster. And the world suddenly changes for everyone and everything remotely involved. Well-written.
Chies Avatar
April 26, 2022 at 6:58 AM
It's a perspective that adds multiple angles. The truck rolls down a road, the children are playing without realizing the danger, the dragonfly dives into a water tank, someone notices the impending disaster, then the truck loses its brakes, it causes an accident and a small, peaceful town is convulsed by a tragic event.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace