Air Raid

 

Judy always whimpered ten minutes beforehand

her astute hearing and senses alert

She had grown accustomed to distant sounds

a routine filled with fear and foreboding

Always at the top of the stairs.

The sirens wailed across the town

the family hurriedly made their way downstairs

Judy in the lead barking loudly

inside the shelter she remained by the door

Then came the the distant rumbling sounds

violent explosions drawing closer

gun fire in full retaliation

The ground shook, window panes shattered

Incendiary bombs illuminated the area

Police whistles blew, fire engines rang their bells

Voices shouting orders, occasional screams

the crackling sound of burning wood

Above the sky was laden with impending death

war had arrived at the doorstep