Darkness enshrouded me
as a deluge engulfed my city
Swallowing whole blocks of neighborhood streets into its murky depths
as it digested cars
and defacated destruction
Hundled together were family, friends, strangers, and a stray dog or two
Death was attending this disaster.........front and center
Appearing in the bodies floating by
its stench permeating our senses
poisoning our minds
"You will not survive," death said.
........."I will."
"No you will not," death assured.
......."I'm strong?"
"But you are afraid." death announced.
........"Yes, but I have faith?"
"It will falter," death declared.
........"I am brave?"
"Maybe, but I am patient," death promised.

-----------------------Day broke------------------------

Walking together were family, friends, strangers, and a stray dog or two
Death attended this disaster.........front and center
Appearing in the bodies floating by
its stench permeating our senses poisoning our minds

-------------BUT-----------
we had the antedote injected into our veins
and it coursed throughout our spirit
compelling legs to walk
hands to carry
and minds to pray
...............................................courage LEAD