A small, still form

[Gita]

The storm briefly spawned a tornado today, a rare occurrence in November in these parts. Violent winds lashed my street, felling 300-year-old oaks. The neighborhood became a maze of deadends where block after block, giant trees criss-crossed the roads. Some had fallen onto houses while others had knocked down power lines.

The fire and rescue units were out in force to assess the injuries caused by the storm, and from a distance, between a clutch of paramedics, I saw a body on the ground. It was small and still and on it someone had laid a white sheet.

[Michael Brown]

You made me shed a tear. Happy I'm not in that situation. Happy you are a brilliant limnist, Happy you're an observer and not a victim. Disheartened one of the victims was so tiny and stilled long before it was capable of taking action--about anything.

[Angela]

Sparse and objective, which lent this piece great power.  This was a stunning upset, I am sure.

[bolton carley]

i didn't hear that it was down your way.  so sorry that this is truth.  so simply told and yet so heart-wrenching - well done.

[Bill Floyd]

All the more powerful and relatable for its simple telling.  

[Robert Crisman]

That's hitting real close to home. I'm glad you're okay.

[Teresa]

Oh how horrible.  When I got your message the other night (my phone never rings at night unless something's wrong) I imagined scenarios.  I worried about three possibilities.  A tornado wasn't one of them.  But the last sentence of this is as horrible, maybe more so, than I imagined.  It's just wrong.

[Jamie Hogan]

Sometimes it is the simplest telling of a story that is the most poignant and effective. I am envious of your ability to sense the kind of prose a story needs, and execute it well each time. I've got one gear in my transmission - go. You've got like eleven.

[Deborah Jovan Reed]

me too. glad you're well

[Sandra Davies]

Too close to home indeed.   Glad you are safe.