Prepared

By James Cory Bates

Storm on the horizon

Clouds building

Nature’s fury

Hurtling

Across the barren land

Snow building

Winds gusting

Birds and animals

Find protection

Amid the evergreens

And windward trees

Inside the tiny home

Two old people

Hunker down

Wood laid by the fireplace

Water bottles filled

Candles and flashlights handy

Time to ride out the storm

They are old hands

Battling the elements

Bring it on they say

Bring it on.

James Cory Bates lives in a small town in Minnesota. He loves to write! His stories and poems have appeared in many print publications. He has also authored 32 books, including poetry, flash fiction, and short story collections, novellas, and novels, all of which are available through traditional outlets and at www.theviewfromlonglake.com.