Poem #28 of National Poetry Month and Autism Awareness too, which I write quite a bit of poetry about my autistic son.  Some nights I am so grateful for a quick prayer said and answered by the kindness of strangers. I needed help and it came from strangers and my husband. The boy might be not feeling well as part of this too, but I didn’t know until the storm hit. This poem I write for Peter and Austin that stopped to help us out tonight. You were the angels sent to aid us. Thanks!

Flash Flood Storm Boy

Downward spiral you slide so fast

I am caught in your wind wake

Not seeing all that is at stake

It is a seamless night

With a clear sky

Like a desert downpour

Out of no where

Sudden onslaught of sleepiness

Drives the clouds to grow

Larger, more full, and the deepest threatening hue

I had no clue this was brewing

Until I am drenched in misfired questions

Misdirection and so many missed connections

As I scurry to find the map to lead us out of it

Tonight a couple of strangers

 held an umbrella over our heads

I was shocked they stopped

And really heard your cries for help

They weren’t afraid

They sat down and stayed

Looking like they would have

Remained for as long as it takes

To see the storm abated

This new lightening rod

Attracted all your energy

You were repelled by them

I was attracted to their kindness

It was enough inertia to blow the storm

Down the block and into the car

Where we had to go

As home was so far

The rage settled to a trickle

Until the tickle of the driveway

You were so dismayed as the Heavens opened

 again to flood the floor to ceiling

I thought we would drown this time

Trapped in the car

Gotten this far

Then my partner storm chaser

Stepped out of the house

To see the tornado up close

He shouted to be heard

Stepping into the funnel undeterred

Into the house you blew

Full hurricane on the horizon

Unless we could shoot the eye

Coming around the bend

We stuffed your high pressure front

Into your footed pajamas

Getting many kisses from Mama

We brushed teeth

Despite the rain still constant

We tucked you in

Giving you a concert

Of sweet rest

Songs stilling the storm

Eyes closing

Rain down to a hiccupping mist

The fresh smell of sleep

Curling away the clouds

In comforted consolation

Our sweet boy once more