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Mandatory Evacuations: A Continuum from American Poets 158

Christopher Woods

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The act of mandatory evacuation is a complex and often fraught one. It is a moment when individuals are forced to leave their homes and communities, often due to an impending natural disaster or other emergency.

For many, mandatory evacuations can be a traumatic experience. They can lead to feelings of displacement, loss, and uncertainty. In some cases, they can even be life-threatening.

Mandatory Evacuation (American Poets Continuum 158)

Mandatory Evacuation (American Poets Continuum Book 158)

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	104 pages

Poets have long explored the theme of mandatory evacuations in their work. In American Poets 158, a special issue of the literary journal American Poets, several poets take on this theme from a variety of perspectives.

In her poem "Evacuate," Tracy K. Smith writes about the experience of being forced to leave her home due to a hurricane. She describes the feeling of being "uprooted" and the "weight of loss" that she carries with her.

**Evacuate** by Tracy K. Smith I am uprooted, a tree in a storm, my limbs flailing, my roots torn. I am a bird in flight, my wings heavy, my destination unknown. I am a fish out of water, my gills gasping, my scales drying. I am a human being, my heart pounding, my mind racing. I am evacuating. I am leaving everything behind, my home, my family, my friends. I am carrying only what I can fit in my car, a few clothes, some food, some water. I am driving away from the storm, away from the danger. I am driving towards the unknown, towards a new beginning.

In "Mandatory Evacuation," Jericho Brown writes about the experience of being forced to leave his home due to a wildfire. He describes the feeling of being "driven out" and the "smoke" that fills his lungs.

**Mandatory Evacuation** by Jericho Brown I am driven out, a refugee from my own home. The smoke fills my lungs, a suffocating reminder of what I have lost. I am a stranger in my own land, a wanderer without a destination. I am alone, but I am not afraid. I will find a new home, a new place to belong. I will build a new life, a life filled with hope, a life without fear.

In "Leave-Taking," A.E. Stallings writes about the experience of being forced to leave her home due to a flood. She describes the feeling of being "swept away" and the "water" that surrounds her.

**Leave-Taking** by A.E. Stallings I am swept away, a leaf in a torrent. The water surrounds me, a suffocating embrace. I am carried downstream, towards an unknown destination. I am leaving everything behind, my home, my family, my friends. I am alone, but I am not afraid. I will find a new home, a new place to belong. I will build a new life, a life filled with hope, a life without fear.

These are just three examples of the many poems that explore the theme of mandatory evacuations in American Poets 158. These poems offer a valuable insight into the complex and often traumatic experience of being forced to leave one's home and community.

In addition to the poems mentioned above, American Poets 158 also includes essays, interviews, and reviews that explore the theme of mandatory evacuations. This issue is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important topic.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful: