Power Outage Poem by Theresa Ann Moore

The glow from the computer suddenly blackened
Thoughts of poetry writing immediately slackened
The persistent hands of time stopped in the round
Electrical devices could not assist or make a sound

The shades are raised to allow the light to enter
Silence hovers as sirens start to focus on center
Swirling psychedelic lights of red and blue streak
Racing by as urgency fades and becomes weak

A nonfunctioning traffic light sways at the corner
No longer capable of directing or being a warner
Human awareness now signals when to take turns
Hopefully, it won’t be long before convenience returns

Daylight hours dwindle as illumination slowly sets
Darkness steadily impairs sight with an obscure net
The long delay of restoring power makes me nervous
I call to find out the estimated hour of returned service

An automated voice sympathetically apologizes for the wait
We know the problem is a nuisance and your concern is great
Our crews are in the field and working to their fullest capability
The power should be back on within the hour in all probability

Candlelight and a purring cat on my lap are consolation
Patience leads to drowsiness after four hours of frustration
Waking to the sound of the furnace running and lights on
I gratefully whisper, 'thank you'… at the break of dawn

10/24/07