Threats

Post-Helene, Black Mountain, NC

I’ve always looked up 
to the mountains 
as if I was their child 

and they were  
my protective parents. 

I felt safe  
between their steep ravines 
that cradled me 
over their creeks.  

But now— 
it’s like my father  
developed a drinking habit,  
and won’t stop drowning me 

with threats  
every time 
it rains. 

Lately, I’ve been  
watching helicopters 
through my binoculars, 
and just today  
I noticed the leaves were starting to change 

back to the way  
things used to be 

when I believed 
my parents loved me.

Clint Bowman is the co-founder and facilitator of the Dark City Poets Society (DCPS) – a free poetry group based out of the Black Mountain Library. When he is not volunteering his time with the DCPS, he works for the Town of Black Mountain, leading hikes, river cleanups, and various community programs.