Tornado – Christine Pannam

Another brilliant piece from a GUNNAS WRITING MASTERCLASS writer.

A whirling dervish you entered

Our world.

Taller, louder,

Stronger than all of us.

Playing hidey–chasey

Your legs strode through the playground,

Scanner-dog eyes seeking us out.

You surged through adolescence

Powerful.

Daring.

A thousand watt electric volt…

 

How strange it was,

Years later at a friend’s wedding

To see you somewhat quieter,

Flatter…

Something sad nesting in your heart,

Your smile,

A little off centre…

 

Why was it that I missed the tornado

Stirring in your brain.

The one that made you

Years later,

Hook the hose to the exhaust,

Turn the key

And greet the dawn with cherry-red skin.

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