The Tornado

I watch the storm clouds gathering, I hear the siren scream, Is this really happening, Or is it just a dream? Hurry, run for shelter, But which way will it go? My heart is beating wildly, Now the wind begins to blow. The sun above me glistens, This can't be what it seems, How can a tornado___________? Again the siren screams. I stand here as if rooted, The monster I then spy, Whirling, jumping, weaving, Across the western sky. A car's been absorbed, Is someone inside? A tree with roots dancing, Looks like my wind chime. Run, run crazy woman You can't just stand here, Hurry, run for shelter, It's drawing quite near. I tried, or so I thought, But I didn't move, It dipped and it danced, Gouging it's own groove. "Oh God," I cried, "Please don't let this be." And watched as a cow Was swept off her feet. First she was there, And then she was gone. It was just like a peek-a-boo, Game going on. Around and around, Like a merry-go-round, Swaying to and fro As it crosses the ground. "What was that I screamed", Gasping for air, As the wind whirled around me, I just stood and stared. How can this be happening To my little world? "Oh God, please protect him He's just a small squirrel." With tears in my eyes I drop to my knees As the house on the corner, Flew over the trees. The tornado was gone! Where did it go? And how did it miss me I'd like to know. I knelt there and cried At what I had seen. Then the alarm clock went off, It had just been a dream. And what did I learn? As I tried to breathe. When that siren screams, It's the basement for me. Cile Beer writter 2005