Impending Storm

The elders met at the lodge that eve to discuss the oncoming summer, and while they knew the abundance of food reserves depended on the warmth and long days of light, their bodies were more suited for a colder climate.  Heavily haired, the summer heat and humidity drove them deep into their lodges where it was cool.  The summer also was known to them to bring great storms from the south, and it was for this reason that they met on this particular night. When all were assembled, Atnas took out the record journal, in which all important events were recorded, and he began to read.    

“That summer was much like others, the days which had gained longevity as the sun reached the zenith, soon slid backward and the harvest months were upon the horizon.  There was a strong feeling in my inner self which caused me to know that a storm would come with this season, and its magnitude would be great, and there would be much destruction.  The tall ones had set their dwellings too close to the waters edge, and they would soon find the wrath of the sea owns that region, as well as the deep.  I know not why I was given this premonition so long before the storm arrived, but I felt it deeply, and it was this that had us prepare well for what was to come.  

The tropers readied their gear, for there would be need to rescue, and food supplies were stored into the lodges.  Early harvest of the berries was completed before the winds of this storm would ruin them; and the matrons readied linens for bodies we knew might come, and then we waited.  Common days went by, as the lower sun filtered through the valley, and all was good.   The heat of the dog days had now subsided and we were almost upon the day when light would equal darkness, when I felt the ground tremble. Although far to the south and many days from our lodges, I could sense the storm’s strength.  All were called together for final preparations, and then it was upon us like no other storm before it.  

As I knew would happen, they suffered terribly as the waters rose quickly along those shores which faced its fury (1).  Even the tall one who farmed the fields just beyond the valley suffered much damage to his crops, and the large tree which shaded his sitting place fell upon his dwelling causing the roof to cave in and much rain entered the opening.”


-----------------------
(1) Through our research, we believe this account is in reference to the 1938 Hurricane.