The flood, a poem

Source: Pixabay

Onward speeds the mighty rivers,

In their mad and wild career;

Down through cities, towns and hamlets,

Causing misery far and near.

On through fertile plains and valleys,

On the raging billows ride;

Carrying with them deep destruction

And distress on every side.

Higher, higher, grows the flood-tide.

Deeper, deeper, is the gloom; 

Homeless thousands, starving hundreds.

Is the city’s awful doom.

Busy streets turned into rivers

Quiet homes made desolate,

Awful ruin, dire destruction.

Is the city’s sad, sad fate.

Oh! I hear the saddened cry for help

The wail of sore distress;

Oh! hear the awful cry of woe

That comes from out the west.

Oh! sky of dark and sullen clouds.

Give way to sunshine’s rays;

Oh! dashing waves that spread the land,

Give way to happier days.

~ George C. Rhoderick, Jr.