Preparedness

The earthquake prediction for California:
uncontrolled wildfires—as many as
1600 of them all along the San Andreas.

That's why I have reinforced
the bottom of my swimming pool.
Interstates will be cracked in half,

my driveway littered with fallen oaks,
but at least I'll have a starting place
for my own private bucket brigade.

And if the place goes up in smoke
after all, the flames burning
on every side, I'll still be there,

floating on my asbestos mattress
with drink in hand, riding the waves
of every delicious aftershock.

Copyright © 2009 Paul Willis All rights reserved
from Cider Press Review
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission