We have seen the people of Western North Carolina come together in beautiful ways these past two weeks, and we have been buoyed by the support of our OA community near and far. Today, we are thinking similarly of our Florida friends dealing with Hurricane Milton. We know these recovery efforts will be long. 

Nature: A reflection on Hurricane Helene
By: London, Semester 59

Why is nature so beautiful after a storm?
The tree is fallen but a new one starts to form

And I look at the blue sky, the big open space
And for a second I forgot the destruction we all faced

Is the beauty of nature just a mask?
And if I need to be saved will I get what I asked?

I used to think nature could never do harm
It was my blanket, caring and warm

But now all I hear is the sadness and strife, and the blanket I cherished cut the earth like a knife

And while other people perish and die, here I am enjoying the beautiful sky

Am I selfish for loving the warmth on my face
When nature has harmed so many’s sense of place?

But it’s hard to love all of something
The roses are lovely but also they sting

And nothing is perfect but nothing is wrong
So right now it’s fine to enjoy nature’s song

Caption: London writing during a Bridge class trip to Dupont State Forest.