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Open Poetry #46
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Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light

0 posted 2010-08-28 09:14 AM


                     
Artist:Raymond Gehman

THE KATRINA TRILOGY
~ Linda L. Dowd ~
copyright 2005

The Katrina Holocaust

Broken, twisted, and swept away,
lives and limbs are lost in fray.
The raging winds and pelting rain,
~ the surge and fury of the hurricane,
are forces stronger than those of Man
as waters flood the southern land.

I pray for those who’ve lost it all,
~ who wander aimless in spiraled fall.
May all those spared, lend helping hands
to southern friends on sinking sands,
that they might build what they have lost
in this Katrina holocaust.

***

Raining Tears

The sky has fallen and waters rise
as hopes sink with the land.
No man should be an island,
so around each, let us stand.

Arms reach out for loved ones
but no longer are they there.
With loss of home and family,
lone hearts fill with despair.

Death and blind destruction
came to all those in her path.
New horrors come to light each day
in Katrina's aftermath.

There is no consolation
that could wipe away such pain.
For those who lost everything,
sad tears fall down like rain.

***

Katrina's Fury

Brooding clouds hung low in sky
and were rushing fast to shore.
There were no silver linings
as torrential rains did pour.

Stormy waters roiled and churned
and soon did flood the land.
The carnage that lay in the wake
was beyond Man’s understand.

Screaming winds from Dante’s Hell
‘caused folks to flee and scurry.
They sought out havens in which to hide
from Katrina’s raging fury.

Rushing waters staked their claims
to lands not rightly theirs.
All was lost in this deluge
amid their anguished prayers.

In the calm of the aftermath,
the silence was foreboding.
Debris and bodies floated by
with morale and hope eroding.

The losses were far greater
than one could comprehend.
And then there'd be the coping
with what lay ‘round the bend.

Like the rising of the Phoenix,
brave hearts will conquer all.
They’ll put their lives in order
and once again stand tall.

***

www.lindadowd.com
www.inourwords.ca  

[This message has been edited by Earth Angel (08-29-2010 04:10 PM).]

© Copyright 2010 Linda L. Dowd - All Rights Reserved
BluesSerenade
Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
1 posted 2010-08-28 10:48 AM


Oh Linda~ your big beautiful heart is showing.

You write so eloquently and with so much passion and empathy~

I'm so happy to see you here this morning.

Much love and many hugs~

Sunkissed
Senior Member
since 2002-12-03
Posts 610

2 posted 2010-08-28 11:46 AM


EA, long time no see! It so nice to read your words again.

*hugs*

~Sunkissed

JL
Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128
Texas, USA
3 posted 2010-08-28 12:01 PM


A heartfelt work.
Love this!

JL


Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
4 posted 2010-08-28 04:22 PM


Hello, Linda. So nice to see you here again  and to feel the love and compassion in your words.
                              Ida

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
5 posted 2010-08-28 06:05 PM


Bluesy One ~

Your responses are always so warm, kind, and complimentary. I truly appreciate them ~ and you! Thank you, Lori!

Love 'n lots of hugs right backatchya!

Linda

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
6 posted 2010-08-28 06:07 PM


Sunkissed ~

Hmm! I smell oranges whenever I see your name!
I like that!

Thanks for dropping by and leaving such a sweet reply!

Love 'n oranges!

EA

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
7 posted 2010-08-28 06:10 PM


JL ~

Merci, Tex Man! You've been a stranger around these parts for some time too! I trust all is well in your corner of the world. It was good to hear from you!

EA

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
8 posted 2010-08-28 06:15 PM


Marchmadness ~

Hello, my darlin' Ida Belle! It's hard to believe that it is already the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Back then I was moved to write these three poems and then later assembled them into a trilogy. It is remarkable how the people bounced back with their indominitable spirit. There is still work to do, but they will continue on! I pray this hurricane season is a relatively minor one.


Linda

Alison
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
9 posted 2010-08-29 01:20 AM


Linda!  My friend, Linda!  I have missed you much and love seeing you back.  I am going to send a long email tomorrow.

I love you, sweetest friend.

Alison

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

10 posted 2010-08-29 01:33 AM


Hi Linda, it's very good to see you here again. Thank you for your post, lovie.

I haven't even been to the memorial yet--I think I'm still processing stuff. I dunno.

I do know I've lost my love for storms, though.

Be well, dearheart.

Amaryllis
Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306
Mi now
11 posted 2010-08-29 02:54 AM


Oh, these are poignant and powerful! Lest we forget... I`m glad you have shared them.
.
What an outpouring of love... you must be one special lady       And were obviously missed!
.
All my best~
Amaryllis

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
12 posted 2010-08-29 03:38 AM


Amaryllis – you are SO right!  Linda IS one VERRRRRRRRRRRRY special lady.  She is light and love personified – not just in Pip, but in everything she does and touches.  Her kindness and compassion stretch all over the world through Pip, and I doubt that there is anyone in Pip who hasn’t been touched by her goodness, light and love.  You are so lucky to meet her.  She puts everyone and everything before herself and is a role model of note.

Linda this is very, very beautiful and IS you.  Your kindness and sincere compassion shine through as always.  The photo is a perfect symbol of Katrina too.

Lovely to see you posting again.

Huggles

Owl

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
13 posted 2010-08-29 05:35 AM


Oh, my, dearest Linda! Indeed your heart, as well as your art show in this trilogy. Thank you for posting these compassionate poems again, no one will ever forget.

Need I tell you that when you show up on Pip the world is all right again?

You know, I love you, your spirit, your beauty ... to pieces!

Big hugs.
Margherita

nourzihane
Member
since 2008-07-10
Posts 254
Algeria
14 posted 2010-08-29 07:50 AM


[This message has been edited by Ron (08-31-2010 11:08 PM).]

Cpat Hair
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793

15 posted 2010-08-29 08:34 AM


very heartfelt... and fitting for the anniversary....
well done ma'am, indeed

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
16 posted 2010-08-29 10:24 AM


Alison ~

How's my Lasky Girl doing? Hey, girlfriend, where are those pics that you were going to send to me?!? I hope that you are including them in the "long" email that you are writing today ~ for which I eagerly await!

Love you too!

Linder Lou


Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
17 posted 2010-08-29 10:30 AM


Your Serene Highness ~

Howdy Karen! ~ Katrina survivor extraordinaire! My love, thoughts, and prayers for you all have been constant but with the extensive anniversary media coverage, they have intensified again.

So good to hear from you! Keep on trekking "when the Saints come marching in!"


Linda


Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
18 posted 2010-08-29 10:33 AM


Amaryllis ~

Love the flower! Love your reply! Hello! It is lovely to meet you!

I appreciate your generous comments. Yes, I too have missed all my PiP friends. I am truly touched by the outpouring of love. Love can help us conquer all!


EA

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
19 posted 2010-08-29 10:42 AM


OwlSA ~

The Venerable Wise One has left me speechless! I seriously have tears in my baby blues! Every generous, kind word that you have expressed for me, I wish to express for you!

Love you muchly!

Linda xo

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
20 posted 2010-08-29 10:47 AM


Margherita ~ La Senorita que bonita!

Thank you for your continuing love and support and phone calls throughout my ordeals. You are love personified my dear Dolphina! I love you!

Mwwaaahhh!

Linda

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
21 posted 2010-08-29 10:51 AM


Nourzihane ~

You are most welcome! ~ and THANK YOU for the lovely "THANK YOU"!

I hope that all has been well with you ~ as you are most deserving!

Love & Light,
Linda

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
22 posted 2010-08-29 10:54 AM


El Capitan ~

Greetings, Hairy One! It has always been a pleasure when you have graced one of my poetic offerings with your esteemed presence! Thank you!

Have a great day!


EA

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
23 posted 2010-09-06 01:02 AM


Fine writing...James
Klassy Lassy
Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187
Oregon
24 posted 2010-09-07 03:31 PM


Dizzying waters churning wild
o'er depth that knows no start
well in tears the wash of years
to salve each wound and smart.

Faith and hope a victor
flies heaven's white-winged dove
o'er the peril of the storm
the harbinger of Love.


Linda, I always feel your feathers...
and the promise! Love,Karen


latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
25 posted 2010-09-07 07:00 PM


Sorry I missed this one. Beautiful and into Your poetry book it goes.I will  copy and  print and slip it in between the pages. Thank you. Jo/latearrival
Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
26 posted 2010-09-07 08:03 PM


Thank you, Hawaii Man! Keep those kinds of Katrinas at bay! ~ so to speak! They would only bring you troubled waters!

Hugs from the land north of the 49th!
Linda

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
27 posted 2010-09-07 08:05 PM


Klassy Karen, my sweet friend, you honour me with such a moving poetic response. It is always a delight when you drop by. Howsabout a hot pot of black current tea to share with me!

Love you!
Linda

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
28 posted 2010-09-07 08:10 PM


Go-With-the-Flow-Jo,

M'dear, I'm glad that you didn't "miss this one" either! You were just fashionably "Late"!

You saving this poem and tucking it into my book "Musings of an Earth Angel", is VERY gratifying and warms my heart with gratitude.
Thank you, my dear Jo!

Love and a big hug,
Linda

rwood
Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
29 posted 2010-09-08 07:08 AM


A gracefully penned tribute with the eloquence so signature of your art.

Thank you for remembering and embracing.

((Hugs)) to you darling poetess. Your presence is always a gift.

Goldenrose
Member Elite
since 2003-05-30
Posts 3665

30 posted 2010-09-08 06:07 PM


As usual you show your heart and express the hurt and ache of the people involved...thank you angel of the earth...

Goldenrose.

Friendship is Love without his wings. Lord Byron.

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
31 posted 2010-09-09 10:52 AM


rwood ~

Sweet poetess, have I ever mentioned to you that I always say "rosewood" in my mind when I see your username? So of course, I also smell that lovely scent!

Thank you for your eloquent and gracefully penned response to my poem!

Love 'n a hug,
Linda

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
32 posted 2010-09-09 10:54 AM


Rose of Gold ~

Greetings, Phil! What a pleasant surprise to hear from you this fine day! Your presence, your poetry, and your kind replies always bring a smile to my cherubic cheeks!

Warm hug and a smiles across the miles,
Linda

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
33 posted 2010-09-10 11:51 AM


Sorry, Linda, to use your wonderful poem to communicate, but I just wanted to make sure you get my reply to your email.  I left a short message in Announcements, but then thought this is a better place to get hold of you.  Your email icon isn't showing in Pip currently, presumably because your computer is sorta-down.  I am looking forward to the recovery of your computer so that we can communicate properly again.

Lots of love
Owl

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
34 posted 2010-09-10 05:27 PM


I had so much fear for our southern friends...

we are so fortunate that they remain
to remind us how fragile life is.


Suncleaver
Member
since 2009-01-18
Posts 481
Stafford England
35 posted 2010-09-17 05:46 AM


I've missed you and your compassionate and eloquent poetry, dear Linda.

Love, Luke.

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
36 posted 2010-10-04 10:08 AM


My dear Diana, as you well know by now by me emails, my sick puter is now up and running again! lol

Loveya!
Linda

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
37 posted 2010-10-04 10:11 AM


Glorious Orb of Light ~

Hi, Sunshine! I totally concur!

I cannot  help but admire the indominitable   spirit of our southern friends.

Love & Sun Light,
Linda

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
38 posted 2010-10-04 10:13 AM


Luke!

How have you been?!? It truly was terrific to hear from you! Thank you for the sweet sentiments and that goes likewise, for sure!

Big hug,
Linda

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