Get Your Premium Membership

The Morning After

The floodwaters shimmer with opalescence in the morning sun
The torrential rain finally comes to a halt

In the stillness of it all floats the body of the banker’s son
Six feet above-ground, his grave on the asphalt

Birds stir cautiously above in the stripped-down trees
Their intertwining voices weaving a fragile song

A tattered American flag wavers in the cool breeze
Some buildings in ruins while others hold strong

As the waters retreat, remnants of a past life emerge
Scattered belongings and overturned furniture drift

While some may view the flood as a natural scourge
Others may see it as a revitalizing gift

The deep blue, empty sky holds a surreal clarity
As if having been cleansed by the storm before

Devastation occurs for the sake of posterity
New life emerges from the grasp of the great war

Wetlands breathe and fertile soil is restored
Fish of many shades explore the new habitat

Nature replenishes itself, humanity ignored
But it’s always possible to rebuild the laundromat

Shadows stretch long over the worn-down earth
Leaving a story of withering sadness behind

The grief and pain of the people entwined in rebirth
A message in the ruins, both cruel and kind

There is strange beauty in the morning after
When everything comes to a head

In the silence of the town hear Mother Nature’s laughter
O’er the skies and the trees and the flooded riverbed

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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

A comment has not been posted for this poem. Encourage a poet by being the first to comment.


Book: Reflection on the Important Things