In Springfield,
everyone is a meteorologist
and rightly so.
Tornado alley along the
I-44 corridor.
Officially home of the
greatest variety in weather in the United States —
“Wait five minutes and
the weather will change.”
All four seasons within a week.
Spring storms bring adventure,
sending Jordan Valley River
rushing down Chestnut Expressway,
circling back south of Phelps Grove Park.
Sirens whir and neighbors gather on porches,
staring at circling clouds,
daring to collect pieces of hail.
Window-rattling, ground-shaking
ear-splitting thunder.
My neighbor’s driveway floods allowing
crows and sparrows and one wary robin
to swim, play.
This is my Springfield.
