They have no more wishes
“Flooding began on the morning of July 4 . . . Six flash flood emergency warnings, which included the cities of Kerrville and Mason, were issued the same day. The Guadalupe River rose about 26 ft in 45 minutes.” (Wikipedia, “July 2025 Central Texas Floods”)
Do they remember, that girl
treading water in her cabin
or the mother who held on
for a long, last hour, praying
until the tree itself gave way?
One hundred thirty-five at least
swallowed whole, like flies
on the tongue of a fat Green Frog,
less adapted to floods than the fire ants
who made a living ball around their queen
and floated together, primed
to swarm a swimmer’s leg, to board
the nearest rescue boat via oar
or unfortunate, outstretched hand.
River, you were life for us. Now
you have killed the children,
anyone who mistook your strength
for love.
Thank you for this fine poem, the imagery, examples: everything.
Curt Gesch
Curt, thank you for your kind words. Writing this poem was an emotional experience for me.
Tina