The day after the storm

the air is filled with the hum of generators,

Whining chainsaws and throbbing sirens, passing by again and again,

Hour by hour.

A man sat in waist-deep water

alone

through the night.

A couple was found entwined in each others’ arms

beneath the tree that crashed through their roof.

The night falls early when you have no light.

Hours crawl by.

I will not blame You for this.

Instead I thank You for the kindness of others, of neighbors helping neighbors, strangers lifting heavy loads together.

I praise You for the blessing of daylight.

Modeh ani lifanecha — You have returned my soul to me and I am grateful for another day.