Rain


The rain fell on the pebbles, fallen leaves and umbrellas bobbing above a sea of people. Washed away sorrow, tears and the harshness of the city . Bickering stopped and all turned to lending a hand. The rain and wind picked up strength and we stayed hidden away, enveloped in warmth of the fire.

Autumn brings the storm
I reach out to you, neighbor
Keep safe, my friends

Behind the window pane, two lovers stayed under the covers, to keep the hurricane away. Children huddled together read books while the wind displayed its mighty strength, trying to pry open any weak entry. The old and sick braced themselves - medication, heat, food. Stay indoors.

Frail and yet, humans
Will prevail in the face of
Adversity -

Goodnight my friends. I wish you well. Hold a hand, hug a friend, have your cellphones fully charged. Keep your loved ones safe and sound, the door closed, the windows barred. Listen to a song, say a prayer. Stay indoors, stay safe.

Hallways give shelter
Toddlers in closet room tents
The cat on the ledge

As we listen in to the news, Sandy arrived - crashing at 86 miles per hour. Eerily the carousel at Battery Park stayed lit, surrounded by rising waters. The New York I knew and loved is devastated, deluged in sea water. Newsmen, ambulances rushed. Fires engulfed homes. Snow fell in October. Announcements made - stay put til morning. Stay safe. Stay brave.

The news strike fear
Toronto to Quebec City
My haunts, Canada

I am shocked. My favorite cities in Canada - Toronto, Peterborough, Quebec City - so many memories and fondest moments. Friends I remember well. I did not realize this would be closer to heart than I thought. I am keeping vigil and hope to hear from you soon - Verlia Stephens. Chris McInnis. Larry Coplen.


___________________________________________


For the Magpie Tales



38 comments:

  1. So lovely to read this, Ninot. Saturday night there was a 7.7 earthquake at Haida Gwaii, the islands above Vancouver Island, and there was a tsunami advisory all along the coast. Fortunately no real damage done and our emergency response teams functioned wonderfully. But it makes one nervous about chain reactions. Now the east coast is being beseiged. So your words are warm and welcome - stay inside, keep warm, stay safe! You too, kiddo. Wrap your wings around all your chicks:)

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    1. Dearest Sherry,
      I did not hear about that earthquake. I hope all is well. It is lovely when I hear that emergency responses functioned wonderfully. The difference between a natural disaster and an averted natural disaster.

      I am worried how Sandy would impact the US elections. Generally, I would say the rest of the world would like to see a friendlier President who is mindful how badly wars impact people worldwide. But of course it is the prerogative of our American friends.

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    2. All the same, I am glad, the focus is now on bracing the masses, saving people, warning them to stay safe and indoors. I hope the old and the children are taken care of.

      Stay warm, Sherry.

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  2. I love every line. And i can even hear me singing some of the lines... You too my friend, be safe!..

    JJRod'z

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    Replies
    1. Be safe, JJ. I wonder if Canada will be affected by the storm. I lived in St Catharines and Ottawa for many years and the blizzards were memorable.

      My first winter, we were buried in four feet of snow and the wind - howled.

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    2. JJ,
      I just saw the news. Sandy did hit Toronto. Are you okay?

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  3. I am reading your words as I listen to the wind and beating rain outside my window. I wonder how long I will have electricity to keep communicating with my friends all over the world! We have extra water, batteries, dog food, and lots of munchies. Thank you for your thoughts. Great meeting you at the Ball as well!

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    Replies
    1. Dear Lolamouse,
      Please save on your electricity. I am sure you are ready for extended stay indoors. I am so glad you mentioned dog food!

      From so many thousand miles away, we pray. That everyone stays safe and calm.

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  4. beautiful...and i loved the annie lennox voice too...x

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    1. Dear dear Kay, Annie Lennox for me is excellent for keeping calm, ecstatic joy and a sense of peace.

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  5. Replies
    1. You too, Tess. I hope the Manor has recovered and is ready to keep you safe and warm these autumn nights and days.

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  6. Loving and lovely thoughts masterfully expressed, Ninot.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Stafford. How are you keeping Downunder?

      Sorry to hear about your Uncle Bill.

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  7. Replies
    1. I hope everyone is safe. At least the US will be more prepared than most countries.

      I enjoyed your wringer post!

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  8. Stay safe indeed...this is a beautiful tribute to the way humanity stands strong in adversity....lending a helpful hand in time of need. Certainly beautiful heartfelt thoughts written from a beautiful heart indeed. Love this Ninot!!

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  9. How thoughtful of you .. so beautifully composed. I survived three Florida hurricanes in 2004 ... I know their devastation, their power.

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    1. I can't imagine that, Helen. Three hurricanes? We panic when we see wind whirling maybe 15 feet high. Floods and rain are part and parcel of the monsoon season. It can be pretty bad at times.

      Take care, Helen.

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  10. Ninot Ma'am,
    Could feel the cold local showers. Been quite regular and this time the thunder and lightning were in unison. Our brand of ending Autumn so to speak. Wonderful take and wonderful advice!

    Hank

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    Replies
    1. Yes Sir Hank. The monsoon season is coming and I have stocked up. One of my daughters, who is a zombie fan, helps me get all necessities for any emergency. For me, what's most important are drinking water, medications, rice , bread and jam!

      Ikan bilis and ikan masin to last a year!

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  11. It's a worry. I hope everyone stays safe.

    "/

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  12. Are you in the midst of it? I hope you're safe and snug where ever you are.

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    Replies
    1. I am relatively snug and warm halfway round the world. But these days, a tragedy in Japan, US or Afghanistan affects me in the same way.

      And I believe a concerned thought and kind word goes a long way.

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  13. This touched me. One of my sons moved to New York last week for six months. His apartment is in Battery Park city, Lower Manhattan. He's been evacuated to a hotel and is fine.

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    1. Dear Anthony,
      I am glad to hear that he is ok. Battery Park, from the look of the photos, looked very bad. I was in New York many many years ago, and the photos today, the ferocity of Sandy, shocked me. Stay safe, everyone.

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  14. A very timely poem, beautifully expressed.
    My son and his family lived in Battery Park three years ago. I'm glad they're not there now.

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  15. Oh, I am glad for you Jabblog. You would have been worried sick. But let us hope New York recovers as fast as possible.

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  16. Beautiful lines.
    Perfect to keep one smiling and hopeful in the #Sandy hours !

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    Replies
    1. Sometimes, hope is all we can extend to those in need - and that keeps them through the night!

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  17. The worst brings out the best in us all

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  18. Defnitely something metaphysically formidable has passed you all this week, i am sure libertys torch will comtinue to shine from underwater, and the cats will all emerge safe .

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  19. I love that Kutamun. Lady Liberty's torch shining from underwater.

    I visited The Lady years ago. There was a parade on-going. I was alone and did not fear anything. I walked in Manhattan alone, drinking in sights. It was a different world then. I was a different person too. There was no internet. No handphones.

    But one thing remains until today. Friendship. And camaraderie.

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