Mikaela Castledine #141 With The Storm Coming

i.

with the storm coming

we are urged

to tie down every unfixed thing

every temporary restful piece

of tin or board or plastic sheeting

to avoid the weaponising

of any wind rotating panel

set with makeshift teeth

or prevent the blunt bludgeoning

assault on neighbour’s safety

by unsecured tree branches

while they were out belatedly

taking their own chances to secure

their properties in the gale

ii.

With the storm coming we are warned

not to underestimate the swell

which will

build such monumental masses of displaced

greenskinned water with such crashing faces

that the reckless will be tempted

to go ride upon them and get 

quite carried away

but today

the emergency crews will not chance

the cold and the wet and windy weather

to guarantee a rescue

or so you have been told

iii.

With the storm coming

clear the stoppered leaves from spillways

dig your little rills for running

barricade the sandbanked creek

which overtips each time

the rain is heavy

blink your eyes to focus underwater

ready your ears now for the roar

breath your big preparatory breaths

lay in the wine

fire up the logs

draw up the wooden bridge

sit tight