Temporary Calm

Posted on November 6, 2020 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Poets and Storytellers United
Weekly Scribblings #44, Eye of the Hurricane
(posted by Rommy)

"In the idioms section of thefreedictionary.com, "eye of the hurricane" is described as follows:

 (1)  Lit. the area of calm in the center of a tornado, hurricane, 
      or cyclone. 
 (2)  Fig. a temporary peaceful time amidst more trouble and strife
      yet to come.

For this week's prompt, I'd like you to craft your words around either meaning of this phrase."


Her heart slowed
to nearly normal
beat.  Least children
were in school for next
several hours.  Her dour 
husband would not be
home until six, which left
her time to shop for dinner,
do some light cleaning,
and phone her sister
whose nerves were on edge
worrying about her.  
For now, wrapped in a shell
of safety, she continued
with her day.  Who could say
what would occur later.  
Maybe he'd be quiet and sweet.
If he had a few drinks, riot
would ensue, children 
in the middle.  Her fragile 
shell would shatter
into pieces.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

About purplepeninportland

I am a freelance poet, born and bred in Brooklyn, New York. I live with my husband, John, and two charming rescue dogs–Marion Miller and Murphy. We spent eight lovely years in Portland, OR, but are now back in New York. My goal is to create and share poetry with others who write, or simply enjoy reading poetry. I hope to touch a nerve in you, and feel your sparks as well.
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8 Responses to Temporary Calm

  1. Jim says:
    November 6, 2020 at 1:28 am

    Ah, time off from her pinnings. Good for her! It’s easier for a man, make an excuse and go.
    Self time.
    I did a lot of that towards the end of my first marriage. Second one only when the Mrs. Is playing cards or golf, etc. Otherwise we are “joined at the hip.”
    ..

    Like

  2. Rosemary Nissen-Wade says:
    November 6, 2020 at 2:33 am

    A powerful and sobering interpretation of the eye of the hurricane!

    Like

  3. Cressida says:
    November 6, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    Excellent poem ,,,,you capture the stress of so many abused women…very sad.

    Like

  4. hypercryptical says:
    November 9, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    Excellent. We have played with the same idea.
    Anna :o]

    Like

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