Updated: May 28, 2020
"Explosion"
by Laxmi Parmeswar
Here’s a story about my Neighbor Joe
More unreal than a fictional TV show!
A blast of a 6000 square foot structure
Shattered, homeless Joe at this juncture
An unprecedented propane tank explosion
Destroying every photo & personal possession
A home filled with happy times and memories
Why is life filled with unexpected tragedies?!
Joe’s door weighing on my unsuspecting roof
His house disappearing in mere minutes- poof!
My home invaded with his debris in every room
My life changed, a small wish for a magic broom
Taking an online test with deep concentration
Witnessing an inexplicable insidious devastation
Being part of a real crime scene investigation
Shaking the core of my very human foundation
Being escorted by a compassionate stranger
Quickly removed from the scene of danger
Kudos to all the police and fire personnel
Calling frantically on my low charged cell
This looks like a war ravaged city
So much destruction, what a pity
Trying to make some sense of it all
Dodging people- reporters and all
Stricken with grief over our Uncle Vinod
Waiting for the facts to slowly unfold
Pretending to be so fearless and bold
Thankfully no human fatalities I’m told
Dealing with the insurance adjuster
Requiring a stronger stress buster
Lots of patience, needing to muster
Restoring my home back to its luster
Why am I feeling much older
The weather is getting colder
Your emails, phone calls and shoulder
Make me feel tall, my spirit bolder
Finding purpose, the meaning of life
Amidst all this struggle and strife
Normalcy slashed with a sharp knife
Lot to accomplish, I need a wife!
Here’s some unsolicited advice
From my powerful inner voice
Just hug your kids a little bit tighter
Keep your soul and heart a lot lighter
“JO BHI HAI, JOE TEEK HAI”