Our structures stand
wind and rain
sun and cold
strong against the elements
 
But in a moment
the wind can torture
the rain can flood
the sun can certainly age them hard
and the cold can make them crack
 
Above these things
the humans reign
building, tending, repairing
but in a moment
an angry wind can take away
 
The roar of a freight train
on the loose
making its own track across the prairie
lifting up
dropping down
the tornado twists and sucks
smashing all in its way
 
But in a moment
it is gone
and quiet comes
to find but rubble
where once proud homes stood
and the people come out
scratched and bruised and bleeding
but walking, talking, looking
at the lashing the wind has done