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A Flooded Night

Edward S. Sorenson

We waited by the river
    When floods were running high;
We saw the tree-tops quiver,
    We heard the wet winds sigh,
And wished the night were done,
As the clock struck one.

We watched from bed and table,
    When flood was at the door,
Encircling house and stable,
    And lapping on the floor;
All planning what to do
As the clock struck two.

We climbed upon the wallplates,
    Among the flitting bats,
When waters topped the tall gates
    And fences on the flats,
Low-bending shrub and tree,
While the clock struck three.

We broke out through the shingles,
    And climbed upon the roof,
Some moored with straps and ‘cingles.
    For help was far aloof,
When rain had ceased to pour,
And the clock struck four.

We rode the wind-swept capping,
    And coo-eed loud and long,
Until boat came slapping
    Across the current strong,
And a voice cried, “All alive!”
As the clock struck five.

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