after the storm

it takes time to recover,
to get back
to normal once the storm
has finished
doing what storms do,
turning your life upside
down.
the wind has no conscience,
the rain
no heart as it floods
the street.
I take a hammer and nails
and go about
the house,
hanging doors and shutters,
putting things
back in place,
washing
the floors, opening
the windows.
the house is still here
though,
faith still in tact.
what doesn't kill you,
makes you stronger, as they
say,
no use in looking back.