Tornado
a destructive vortex of violent rotating winds
Outside is bright
with grey green light.
Sky is black with
mountains of clouds.
A siren pierces
like an arrow of sound
dissolves in thick air.
Pressure pounds -- blood,
skin, even hair feels it.
Something might explode.
There is a gathering.
Feel it pull towards center,
push air out of your lungs.
Something moves
something else follows
forces are building.
Center yourself.
Gather around center.
Breathe.
Feel the building forces.
Your head begins to spin.
Breathe.
An alarm sounds.
Your alarm sounds.
Open your eyes and see
the spinning forces that live
in the black center there.
Copyright 2024 by Susan Scheid
Susan Scheid is a poet and literary activist who lives in Washington, DC with her family and their two cats. Susan honed her craft while working for the last 30 years as a Legal Secretary. She was inspired by her father reading poems to her at bedtime and by stories of him reading poetry to his fellow wounded soldiers in medical hospitals during WWII. Her first book, After Enchantment, was influenced by her love of fairy tales. Susan’s poetry has also appeared in a number of literary journals, in the chapbook anthology, Poetic Art,and the anthology, Enchantment of the Ordinary. Her book, True Blue, is forthcoming from Finishing Line Press. As a former Board member for Split This Rock she helped bring poetry and activism to thousands of people.
30 for 30 is sponsored by Potomac Review
