Flood
There were clouds in the sky a darkening overhead
Thickening like a blanket to descend upon the town
Sitting on the porch he felt this was the village of the dead
Thinking if there were another flood how many would drown
The deluge was years ago recalled from his childhood days
Rivers had overflowed and streets were washed away
Too small to help he watched as people climbed to the roof
He remembered his parents pushing him into a canoe
Frantically paddling in search of higher ground
Now the darkness rolling over became more threatening
He saw the first drop splash on the deck
Then more spattering on the steps
This time something was different he felt it in his bones
A warm breeze was blowing against his face
The raindrops were now becoming more frequent
He felt the first ones being blown against his face
Cold and icy even though the breeze was warm
Now the breeze picked up and could be heard
A gentle rushing sound soon became a roar
The first shingles were being lifted from the roof
He heard the siren faintly sound
A severe weather warning
Time to hunker down inside
It was then the heavens opened and the deluge began
Sheets of rain blowing through with the wind
In the distance the church bell swung crazily
Pickups fully loaded were heading out of town
But he knew the risk of flash floods and was staying put
The difficulty of knowing what was the depth
As you gingerly drove along a dirt track road
The rain was now steady the sky remaining black
He watched as small streams ran down the street
As the grass in the yard became a mini-swamp
Then the stream on the street began to bring debris
Still torrential rain continued steadily
He did not know why he stayed upon the porch
Watching a disaster unfold before his eyes
That strange attraction that draws onlookers
At some point he became aware of the water
The street and his front yard had gone
One river now flowed between the homes
He glanced up at the dark wondering was night setting in
Nine o’clock he went inside to check the power
Lights still working he switched on the news
Pictures of other areas rescues being made
Was this time for his own evacuation
No Way
Southerners always rode out the storm
A flickering of lights and then the power died
Thank goodness the generator fired up first time
He stayed up late the river flowing faster
Scouring out the foundations of sheds and homes
A crashing sound and he knew another home had gone
No signal on the mobile phone the landline dead
Should he have made a dash for safety instead
Now he was conscious that the rain had stopped
The river was flowing deeper down the street
The worst of the flooding was still to come
A sound
Yes
A sound of a cry
A realizing that others may be trapped
Wading out he tried to locate the source
Struggling to stay on his feet against the river flow
The old shack was still standing as he peered inside
Three children huddled together trying to keep warm
Clinging to a table top as water flowed below
In that moment he knew why God had not let him go
Three journeys each one exhausting his strength
Carrying each child to the safety of his home
Reassuring them they were not alone
As the water raged along outside
Safety given to them when it was needed most
His purpose in our lives may not always be clear
Yet when your time comes you act without fear
Knowing His presence is always near
When the story was told they said he was a hero
Medals should be pinned to his chest
But he knew his life had served a purpose
God had put him to the test
Faith had saved those children from the storm
As faith saves us when we are reborn
Copyright: David Hopcroft June 2020
Park Bench Tales and other writings 