The winds have whipped the restive waves
until their glassy faces rise
boldly like sheer canyon cliffs
that buckle once they graze the skies.

The raging surf comes roaring in
to thrash the rocks that edge the cove.
It ravages the quiet pools
where shell fish grew and herons dove.

The hurricane rips past the shore,
a howling presence overhead.
It smashes huts, jackknifes the palms
and leaves the populace in dread.

At last its fury passes on,
but in its wake as it departs
demolished towns and shredded homes,
some shattered lives and broken hearts.