Awakened by alert sirens, some were not. Some took precautions, some ignored and returned to sleep. "It's just another warning" will not be spoken anytime soon in this city. "It's a blesssing!" is heard in every conversation.
Walking through the streets people conveyed emotions of thankfulness and joy for no loss of life, or even physical injuries. Wondered in amazement as to the amount of devastation in a matter of seconds. As time progressed, the brevity of the situation loomed. No electricity, no phone landlines, wireless services sporatically limited, and roads block with utility poles, transformers, streetlights, trees, and branches. Instead of panic, a calmness occurred. Neighborhood livened in the midst nature's death all around. Folks who had not been seen in years were re-acquaintenced.
Days passed, power restored, then land phone lines, and finally cable/internet. Some may think the emotional toil would decrease, but the opposite occurred for me. As information was gathered as how this part of the city was torn apart, a queasiness settled in my core. As I ventured through the affected areas this feeling tumbled constantly in the pit of my stomach.
It was not until I had several discussions with co-workers who shared the same feelings that I began to understand. It was torment; not for the homes destroyed, automobiles crushed, buildings bruised, but for the loss of life in nature. Streets once tree-lined are now edged with piles of splintered trunks, stalks, and branches.
We are connected to all living things in our environment. The drastic loss of life of the trees has greatly affected many of us. Unfamiliar skylines disrupt driving routines. On several occasions I second-guessed my whereabouts while driving normal route to work. I know in time mental adjustments will be made to the new landscapes, homes will be repaired, and replacement cars purchased. Unfortunately, generations will have to pass before our streets will be shaded by nature's limbs.
This Libran was shaken and stirred, but my golden scale will be balanced again.
Here are some pics from daybreak that Sunday morning through the continuing cleanup.
16 hours ago
I understand your feeling...i don't know if it is because i am a libra too, or that devastation gets to me in a big way. I remember when the tornado hit downtown Atlanta, even though i don't live there, i work there, i was hurt by it...seeing a place i knew so well torn apart, loss...knowing it could have come at any time, while at work, knowing we have know control and once again humbling myself to Gods work. I feel you sista, i do. God bless.
ReplyDeleteSister GP,
ReplyDeleteThose photos were breath-taking.
It is amazing what nature can create and destroy. I am glad to know you and your family are physically out of harm's way. But I know that the emotional toll will have long lasting effects.
I hold you and your family and your neighbors in my prayers.
@mizrepresent: I saw some of the damage in the ATL when visiting not long after it hit. I was shocked at what I saw and amazed that it could have easily been worse. The city is growing by leaps and bounds.
ReplyDelete@lovebabz: I realized this morning that I am quickly adjusting to the new landscapes. I am not sure if it is a good thing or not.
@torrance: yeah, there are still piles of cut-up dying trees on the edge of properties, ready for pickup.