Weather Forecast

The weather man on the local radio station had forecast a blizzard.
It was Saturday. Many folks were out shopping on this beautiful sunny day, 
one that sometimes comes in March on the North Dakota prairies.
We were having an early supper when Mama said, “Well I guess 
the forecast was wrong,” when it struck, coming out of a clear blue sky.

Spring was abolished instantly, as the arctic wind picked up snow
hurling it at anything in its pathway, and though we were safely home, 
we were worried about those who were shopping and had lingered
to visit with other shoppers or perhaps to have coffee in the local café.  

We knew that my brother and his wife and two small children
were among those stragglers.  There was no way we could check
on their safety.  The phones were out with that first strong blast.
It would be two days before we would hear that they were safe.

Others were not so fortunate.  Some died in their cars.  
Those who left their cars, perished anyway.

My last big storm, I married and moved way that next summer.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

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

Merryman Avatar
October 7, 2012 at 9:55 AM
Great write, Joyce! Congrats on your win! Love, Kim
Dietrich Avatar
October 6, 2012 at 11:09 PM
Joyce, this was awesome. I think it would have placed even higher if you had done an opposite ending making the second half into good weather. Great writing. Congrats on your win.
Johnson Avatar
October 7, 2012 at 8:34 AM
But that isn't the way it happened. This story is true. Joyce
Wellington Avatar
October 5, 2012 at 8:22 PM
Joyce, this sounds like it was a true-to-life situation for you. Glad your family was found safe. Congrats and one love. Joy Wells
Kendrick Avatar
October 5, 2012 at 1:22 PM
Congrats on your win with this very great work..Sara
A   Avatar
October 5, 2012 at 8:10 AM
JOYCE, congratulations with your awesome "Weather Forecast" poem in Joy's contest... have yourself a good day :-) Love PD
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
October 5, 2012 at 5:58 AM
Belated congratulations once again, I am sorry these are late I am busy packing and shopping for my holidays xx
Brown Avatar
October 5, 2012 at 5:19 AM
Congratulations on your win in Joy's "Weather Forecast" contest Joyce. Love Carol
Marcum Wong Avatar
October 5, 2012 at 3:51 AM
The weather can be too harsh to live with and that is why I live in Hawaii. Hurricanes usually pass us by, thankfully. I enjoyed your true story. Congrats on your win.
Brown Avatar
September 21, 2012 at 5:11 AM
Thank you for sharing your writing with us Joyce. I enjoyed reading it this morning and as always wish you the best in the contest. Have a wonderful weekend. Love, Carol
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
September 20, 2012 at 9:40 PM
An amazing story, Joyce! The waiting for word from your brother must have been awful for you and your family. We try to better predict the weather these days but only God can control it. You have inspired me to write a poem for the contest about my own experience. Hopefully, I'll have time to write it tomorrow. Hugs, Rhonda
Patrikar Avatar
September 20, 2012 at 8:44 PM
great write.... i liked the last line!!
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