A Memoir and Haiku for Hurricane Irene: Farewell Irene

I am happy to say farewell to Irene in the form of a haiku. While my family and myself were blessed as we experienced little damage, others were not so fortunate. My family's greatest loss was that of the electricity being out for 48 hours. I am sad for those who experienced loss of life and loved ones due to Hurricane Irene. Hurricanes are a strong force of nature, not to be reasoned with. Irene encouraged waters to overflow as she brought us blackened skies.

I have to say, that in a way losing electricity was nice as it encouraged the family to talk and work together. My husband and myself cooked canned food over candlelight, while my oldest daughter and myself enjoyed canned spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. Topped with red peppers and parmesan cheese, it was actually quite appetizing. One night we all made chocolate chip cookie dough together, then sat around the bowl to eat a delicious dessert in the dark.

I could hear my 10 year old and 4 year old enjoying a game of Loopz together. My 4 year old enjoyed playing with her Lite Brite and it seemed to be more intriguing than usual. My 13 year old who usually is out most of the day with friends, was forced to spend time with her family, and although she may not have enjoyed it, I enjoyed her presence.

Our camping lantern was a our source of light and did a great job. This morning when my 4 year old woke up she said, "I'll go get the lantern." My husband and I reminded her that we had electricity back and didn't need the lantern anymore. She had enjoyed getting the lantern herself to provide light for her family and herself.

All things considered, I am happy to bid Irene farewell.

Haiku: Farewell Irene

Clouds wept, wind chimes blew
Twinkling lights turned black, oaks cracked
- Farewell to Irene