You Lose, Andrew Poem by Gordon Jackson

It's over now and the sun is out
And now there's a different view
Of what there was and what is left
From Mother Natures child, Andrew.

His birth was quite unwelcome
His screams heard through the night
To warn us all of what's to come
From his bark and from his bite.

As he moved his strength would push
The wind and rain to it's most
With total destruction in his heart
He trained his 'eye' upon the coast.

He was dead set in his mission
He knew exactly what he'd do
But we were only left to guess
What it'd be like,
when he was through.

So we tried to prep ourselves
In the best ways that we can
Against a force of nature
That has no respect for man.

We boarded up the windows
And fled to higher ground
Knowing that when we returned
Maybe nothing would be found.

Just what things will Andrew take
If he fulfills our greastest fear?
Just the things we can replace
Or the loved ones we hold dear?

Well, his fury did take plenty
Both in property and in lives
As he cut his way through cities
Like a million wheeled knives.

But even with all his power
There was a greater from above
That shined on all God's creatures
To protect them with his love.

For within his divine wisdom
God is the only one who knows
How to keep so many safe
From Andrew's angry blows.

Yes, Andrew paid his visit
And he did his nasty sin
But when he's gone forever
It's the people, their deeds
and God's love that will win.


(August 26,1992/This was written and is dedicated to all of those who gave their time, energy, goods and services to the hurricane relief efforts)