We shake with joy, we shake with grief.
What a time they have, these two
housed as they are in the same body.
Mary Oliver
A few months ago, we went with our daughter and husband
to Atlantic Beach, NC.
It was a time of JOY,
sitting in the evening sun's waning rays, watching the children
frolic, play, jump the waves
and revel in freedom.
Sun slipping, tide rising, time
to wrap in warm, sandy towels,
find sandals
pack up chairs and sand pails
head home
filled with
exhilaration.
The world now knows of Atlantic Beach.
48 hours in the news. One of the first areas
for Hurricane Irene
to invade American soil.
As a nation, we sat incredulous in front of our televisions,
Hurricane Irene.
Grief
Our daughter and husband live one hour from Atlantic Beach.
They prepared for two days for this unwelcome visitor.
Thousands like them from North Carolina to Vermont
prepared and prayed it wouldn't be bad.
Irene has calmed down,
leaving an unwelome present
of destruction and death.
Joy and Grief
stand shoulder to shoulder.
What do you do with yourself, your emotions, your roiling stomach filled with apprehension and fear?
Paint a picture of renewal...of the sun pushing through.
Children returning
to the beach.
