A Hurricane's Woes

August 29, 2005 was the day Nature reminded the world of the effects of climate change with its unleashing of Hurricane Katrina. The Category 3 storm drowned the streets of New Orleans owing to severe levee breaches, and left unimaginable tragedy in its wake.

Hurricanes and other storms strike a balance in nature, but leave behind traumatic devastation. In honour of the lives lost and the resilience of their survivors, Katrina herself offers this humble apology in this Villanelle.

A small tribute, and a poignant reminder.

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The day I left you in my force and wake

I lapsed the wrath my awesome strength could tell

The woes my might force could rise, create

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I see the saddened hearts my hands have left

The families hearts, now hurt beyond repair

Of joy and faith now gone, almost bereft

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I understand the trials, the tears, the cost

The shattered lives that need new faith to build

The heaviness, the burdens and the loss

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I need to rid the world of needless things,

But see the needless hunger and great spoil

And pity now the toll that my wrath brings

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I wish to undo now my thoughtless harm

Apologize for all the souls I trapped

And humbly sweep the sadness in my arms

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The strength you have, no one can emulate,

My force now gone, new hope you recreate.