Fleeing Irma

FLEEING IRMA spotlight moon, full, like an Old Testament cloud, leading Floridians forth, not into the desert, but away from the wrath of Irma. bumper to bumper, neighbors from pilot to caboose, illuminated in each other’s flood beams. testiness and pride put aside, as fleeing cars, in camaraderie, brave the calm before the storm. like the Israelites, they leave behind the homes they know, put themselves in the hands of God. many have family and friends north of their beloved peninsula, an unintended visit, a warm haven, not a picnic nor a vacation, but each pulls themselves up, for our Southern neighbors are not of the craven sort. those who choose to live near the sea, with its beauty and fortitude, know how to batten down the hatches. hammocks left behind will tangle, and hug palm trees, suffering the loss of their occupants. hotels, with never ending vacationers, takes a much needed rest. God believes in rest, sometimes a seven year sabbath, even when the soul forgets its place. we pray, even north of the path, in stillness, we must, in gratitude, never taking for granted, lest we too find ourselves seeking solace elsewhere. godspeed our tanned Peninsula friends. godspeed and bless, with safety, tenacity, and love as we reel you in. 9/8/2017