Tsunami (Poetic Prose)

I remember the distant thunder; the warning signs, the birds flying in the opposite direction. I watched them go, and wished they would carry me with them.

Voices raised in panic, I felt my legs move before I had the chance to tell them to. The wave of water hurtled across the landscape; destined to wash us all away.

I remember you lying there alone, in amidst it all; a lighthouse within a sea of sirens and desperation. I took your hand and told you to fight, to keep going, but you didn’t have the strength.

I wanted nothing more than to run away; to leave this place and the horror that had seeped into my life. Yet despite my tormented mind, I would never have forgiven myself if I’d left you there alone.

So instead, I lay down beside you, and held onto you for strength. The water cascaded towards us, ripping trees from the ground, collecting houses in its powerful arms. I watched the life we had built together disappear in a heartbeat, and there was nothing I could do to prevent it.

Eventually, I looked away, into your eyes, and told you not to be afraid. I often wonder if you heard me, in that final breath, before the end washed over us both.