The derecho downed
Thousands of trees,
Two in my back yard.
Both fell on our house,
Toppling chimney,
Ripping down gutters,
Driving heavy branches
Through shingled roof.
One spearlike stem
Missed me as I slept,
By the width of my bed.
Water on me woke me,
Not the cracking sound.
It was close, but not soon
Enough to take me asleep.