As Michael approached on that early morning,
Some remained in its path despite every warning.
They’d been ordered again and again to leave,
But the grave dangers of staying they didn’t believe.
They died as their houses like trees were felled
They’d hid under roofs they thought could have held
Against those gusting winds that came along
As accompaniment to Michael’s song.
Some just waited too long and they disappeared
when their cars or trucks rolled as we had feared
Into water far deeper or currents much stronger
And they just could not hold their breath any longer.
Some stayed disbelieving all those warning voices
And others stayed in the belief they had no other choices.
Many were lost as surging waters swept in
And washed them away with the beds they slept in.
Now dozens are dead
Who, having not fled,
Having just chosen to remain in their places
Was that courage or dread that shone on their faces?
In sadness we learned of brave rescuers foiled
When their valiant rescue attempts were spoiled,
Halted by a downed electrical line or a broken gas main
Thence all efforts to reach those trapped were in vain.
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