the storm

chaos arrives
and settles in for awhile.
it's a storm with
winds and heavy rain.
I've been
there before, who hasn't.
in the past
there was panic, grinding of teeth,
pulling of hair,
angst ridden sleep.
but not this time.
this time
I watch it happen, let it roll.
i take the sails down,
do what needs
to be done
to keep the ship afloat,
bailing water,
singing and old seaman's song,
until it blows away.