The storm surges from Ian and Nicole carved up the dune
Taking back the Atlantic sand previously piled up
Replaced every time the beach has washed away
But now the supply of sand is running out
We watched the high tide advancing higher
Twice a day every day eating away at what remains
Making it obvious this sand castle story ends badly
The buildings here soon to be erased under the waves
At what point will the Floridians recognize a lost cause
And retreat from an untenable position
When it is forbidden in this state to say climate change
When the economy depends on the beach goers
The mindset says rebuild amid the devastation
Ignoring that insurance will cost a fortune
Especially on the Gulf Coast where Ian swept ashore
Flooding any dwelling not elevated above
The beaches still closed for months afterwards
Now a place for shorebirds to gather undisturbed
Unconcerned by the coastal development destruction
Unaware of the unfolding crisis
The inland areas no less vulnerable
Drowned in the deluge as the water rose
With nowhere for it to go in this enormous swampland
All of it just inches above sea level
A reckoning is coming bringing great suffering
An end to the way of life that lured so many here
But not before many more disaster scenes
Drive home a lesson learned the hard way
