Hurricane Rita Poem by Donna Nimmo

Pine tree's standing oh so proud
The wind was blowing really loud
The red sand blowing every where
The pine trees breaking, I was there
They were snapping like a tooth pick
In Laporte they said get out quick
Me and three dogs, we had to leave
It's was a day's trip, you wouldn't believe
Never had driven out of the city
On the road forever, what a pity
Got to my brothers, late the next night
The storm had turned; we were all a fright
We couldn't stay in the trailer house
Wouldn't be safe for the smallest mouse
Cars broke down on each side of the road
Each carrying their belongings, what a load
Over heated and running out of gas
We all had to leave in such a great mass
We could only drive five miles per hour
Waiting for this storm, who would devour
Winds whipping and snapping the trees
Was much more than a summer breeze
Lights went out and heat began
We were so hot couldn't turn on a fan
Didn't have the gas to get back home
Sun so hot, like a mirror on chrome
Won't have gas for a month they said
It made you wonder why you fled
Husband came and brought me gasoline
Got home so fast, as if on caffeine
They all have electricity finally
That's where i'll go if I ever flee!