Flood warning

"THIS IS A TEST"
the loudspeaker blared over and over,
earsplitting air horns and sirens resonate
in our bodies as we sit on the bench
creekside
'THIS IS A TEST"
is it not
a test of our intelligence, wit and creativity
we need to navigate this labyrinth,
the myriad nooks and crannies,
this stream of life with its coves and rapids.
I'm sitting here at creeks' edge
my teeth are edge
my ears are ringing
'THIS IS A TEST"
yes, no need to remind me.