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Sara Etgen-Baker | + Follow Poet |

Talking, Talking, Talking

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July 28th straight-line winds & large hail...

(Image courtesy of weather.gov)

“A derecho is a widespread, long-lived thunderstorm complex with high, often fast-moving winds. It can produce tornadoes but this is more of a straight-line wind event. By definition, if the wind damage swath extends more than 240 miles and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph or greater along most of its length, then the event may be classified as a derecho.” (National Weather Service)

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I wrote this poem two summers ago when the heat and humidity were unusually high. The weather conditions were ripe for what’s called a ‘derecho,’ igniting a memory of a dreadful derecho that struck our part of North Texas. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It's been a decade since the big derecho. People are still talking about it. Talking, talking, and talking like people do. Today, it's hot and humid. The tepid sometimes-breeze rustles leaves on a big branch still resting on my neighbor's roof. Across the street utility workers repair damaged lines. People hurry from place to place on the sidewalk. In the coffee shop they talk about Biden, Trump and Putin. Talking, talking and talking like people do. It's everywhere. Far off a freight train backs up on the track. Its horn sounds mournful.

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Lisa Ricci

Date: 2/13/2024 10:39:00 AM

Dear Sara. Hi. Yes, there are things in life that we people talk about until the end of time because we remember we tell the generation after us etc. For you and fellow texans it is the derecho. For us here in new england it is the blizzard of 78. You have named this entry marvelously and never did you stray. May this day find you and Bill well. Blessings Peace and more always. (smile) I will return again soon. PS - I am cracking up at the world leaders incorporation. (very clever)

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/13/2024 5:39:00 PM

thanks for visiting, Lisa, and for sharing...don't remember the blizzard of 78. I was living in Indiana at the time; I do recall we had so much snow that workers couldn't keep the streets clean of snow. Thanks for your marvelous words about my poem and 'the world leaders incorporation. Sending you hugs and blessings, Sara

Paige Hind

Date: 1/21/2024 4:45:00 PM

Your flow is like someone talking about the weather, because that's 'what people do"- very clever! I enjoyed this!

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/13/2024 5:40:00 PM

thanks, Paige, for stopping by and for your positive comments. Grateful you enjoyed my poem. Have a spendid evening, Sara

Tom Cunningham

Date: 1/19/2024 11:16:00 PM

Nothing like the weather to get a conversation going, I'd never heard of a derecho until today. I hope you don't get another anytime soon. I don't think mankind is taking climate change seriously enough, we're seeing many strange weather patterns emerging with floods, wildfires and the like. Tom

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/20/2024 9:30:00 AM

I agree, Tom. We all encounter different types of weather depending upon where we live...how we experience it tells a lot about a person. We rarely get derechos...so not to worry...but tornadoes, yep...every spring and every fall. Have a splendid day, Sara

Jerry Brotherton

Date: 1/19/2024 6:10:00 PM

Sara, the more things change, the more they remain the same. Brilliant words, my friend.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/20/2024 9:29:00 AM

I agree...wisdom in your words, Jerry. Have a pleasant day, Sara

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 1/19/2024 2:05:00 PM

I think its called a holding pattern. I liked this poem because the description is honest. It seems like everything will be alright after a destruction

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/20/2024 9:31:00 AM

ooo, Hilda, I appreciate your insight and words. I agree...after destruction, we do go into a holding pattern...maybe it's shock...who knows but I appreciate your comment. hugs, Sara

Silent One

Date: 1/19/2024 12:11:00 PM

Sara my friend your poem masterfully captures the passage of time and the enduring impact of a significant event, the big derecho. The poet skillfully weaves together the mundane details of everyday life with the lingering memories of the past... A nostalgic read.. nicely done.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/20/2024 9:31:00 AM

thank you, Silent One, for sharing your insights and for your uplifting comments. Grateful for you...have a pleasant day, Sara

I Am Anaya

Date: 1/19/2024 11:25:00 AM

Derecho has many meanings, I've never heard of the big derecho windstorm, sounds devastating. I'm partial to politics, love it, can't get enough, you can see the big picture! I do believe in climate warming or change. Do Texans talk about that? I like the second stanza, it covers the weather and a bit of humor, I think. Overall, it's informative of how peoples ordinary talk can drive one nuts. Original and I enjoyed, Sara. Have a nice day!

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/20/2024 9:33:00 AM

you nailed it, Anaya! I appreciate your noteworthy comments. Some Texans talk about climate change; some do not...depends, I suppose, on their views. Texans tend to be conservative and not easily swayed so I'm guessing they're hesitant to accept the 'climate change' concept. Yes, constant babble is annoying...enjoy your Saturday & thanks for your visit, Sara

Jay Narain

Date: 1/19/2024 10:58:00 AM

Nice poem.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/20/2024 9:34:00 AM

thanks, Jay. Appreciate your visit, Sara

Sotto Poet

Date: 1/19/2024 8:32:00 AM

Your poem provides a stunning depiction of life immediately following a momentous occasion, dear Sara. It is simultaneously enlightening and so very true to me. The piece is truly marvelous; the title is so fitting and delightful; I abhor people who speak too much as well.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/20/2024 9:37:00 AM

dearest Sotto--thank you for your visit and for your insightful comments. You understood my intent, and I'm grateful. I, too, abhor people who chatter incessantly. I don't have much tolerance for needless drama either. smiles :-) and have a splendid weekend, Sara

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 1/19/2024 7:53:00 AM

- Everyone has their opinion ... and blah, blah, blah - Often one feather turns into ten hens, Sara :) - Great written :) - hugs

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/20/2024 9:38:00 AM

thanks, Anne-Lise...never heard the expression 'often one feather turns into ten hens.' I like it...thanks for sharing and for visiting. Have a splendid Saturday, Sara

Yann Rolland

Date: 1/19/2024 7:51:00 AM

oh sara, such an excellent poem, i don't like people who talk too much, the tittle is so obvious and wonderful, great inspiration thanks for sharing

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/20/2024 9:39:00 AM

thank you, Yann, for dropping by and for taking the time to comment. I, too, don't like idle chatter--not much tolerance for that. I'm grateful you found my poem inspirational. Enjoy your weekend, Sara

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 1/19/2024 6:58:00 AM

Dear Sara, Your poem is such a vivid snapshot of life in the aftermath of a significant event. The repetition of “talking, talking, and talking” effectively conveys the ongoing impact of the derecho on the community. The juxtaposition of the ordinary (the hot and humid day, the utility workers, the coffee shop chatter) with the extraordinary (the big branch on the roof, the mournful train horn) creates a powerful narrative. Very Impactful!! - Blessings, Daniel

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/20/2024 9:35:00 AM

wow, Daniel, thank you for your visit and for your in depth reading of my poem. Your comments indicate your spot on, especially in regards to the juxtaposition. Thanks for sharing and for your encouraging words, have a blessed day, Sara

Clive Culverhouse

Date: 1/19/2024 6:48:00 AM

This is both an insight for me (coming from England) and something so true. I can't imagine such weather events but over here we like to talk about the weather for some reason. Most intersting read Sara

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/19/2024 6:50:00 AM

thanks for visiting and sharing, Clive. Texans like to talk about the weather too, especially when it's out of the ordinary. Have a pleasant and peaceful day, Sara

Lin Lane

Date: 1/19/2024 6:39:00 AM

Talking, talking, talking... blah, blah, blah. You wrote this almost like a journal entry, Sara. Interesting to read your thoughts. I no longer listen to political blah, blah, blah. Would rather listen to the mournful sounds of a freight train.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/19/2024 6:49:00 AM

thank you, sweet Lin, for dropping by. I, too, no longer listen to any blah, blah, blah--political or otherwise...too draining. I try to glance at the headlines, but those, too, are way to disconcerting. Have a pleasant weekend, Sara