Wicked Winds 2/ Tornado 1

actual event with my family. A near miss to say the least

Wicked Winds 2/ Tornado 1

 

Mother’s Day 1998

My family, on our way out of town

in an SUV on the Causeway bridge

crossing over the 26 mile wide, man-made

Lake Ponchatrain...

Smashing winds and blinding rains

torture our SUV

Our 10 yr old daughter begins to panic

she sees what I have spotted...

Off to the left of the bridge

a frightening sight

black, whirling funnel of water, wind and debris

moving towards the bridge

moving...towards us.

The monster reached a mile into the air

dwarfing the trawling boats in her path.

The girth was infathomable, as it moved

ever so close to the bridge,

engulfing all in her way...

Traffic halts, the peak of the draw bridge

is our unfortunate resting spot.

Now, the 2 year old starts to cry.

I try to comfort them and myself,

while hubby seems disappointed

his view of the tornadic beast

is obscured.

Fight or flight? I have only two arms and two children.

If I jump... 60 feet down...

I will hold one under each arm...

And pray for the best.

As for hubby...ahem,

he’s on his own!

Wait...

What is this?

Could the beast actually be dissipating?

Yes! She misses us!

Not our time to go...

 

Sandra Ferrara-Gentry 2008

Reviews

[R J Askew]

Bloody Hell! This is the most fearful of your near misses as it involves your children...very powerful description. The sight sounds most impressive and terrifying. Have I got it right...the bridge is 26 miles long? Is it 60' high all the way? Or just on the bridge section you were on? To be stuck out on such a place must have made you feel doubly exposed. Such sights not to be seen in UK. USA has much more dynamic weather.

[Celtic Cat]

woah.... so glad you lived to tell the tale. As for your hubby... has he read this? LOL You're too funny! I'm so glad you are all safe, excellent write!

[Ladysue]

Sandi, this was a very good story and as spoken said it felt like i was there. couldn't wait to find out what happened. I loved..." As for hubb...ahem....very cute...pleasure to read!

[Spoken]

you tell a great story! I felt like i was there... had me on edge.

As for hubby...ahem,

he's on his own!

haha, funny to hear. but i bet a true feeling most would have in this situation. In the end.. a child is above all others in a mother's eyes.

[Forest Green]

A sweet poem of life on the edge...literally. ;)

Reveals the trials and tribulations of life...with a happy ending.

Thanks for the send.

Daniel