In the Midst of Destruction

            The following entry is based after the destructive, volcanic eruption in Pompeii. The volcano in the area, Mt. Vesuvius, buried the city in ash. This story is being told by the main character, Candria. 

 

            Boom! The loud explosion came from Mt. Vesuvius. Ash seeps out of the mighty volcano in large, billowing smoke clouds the color of river stones. Lava begins to ooze from the structure, in large amounts and in little time.

            “Candria!” mother hollers. “We have to move, NOW!”

            Father is already outside our villa waiting for us. Quick as lightning, mother and I hurry to him. This is the fastest time it has ever taken me to obey mother's commands. The three of us leave our gorgeous villa full of priceless possessions and memories to be engulfed by the destructive fluid.

            We run as fast as we can. Ash clouds devour the clear, blue sky. My friends, neighbors, and total strangers run for their lives as well. Screams fill my ears. Tears stream down my eyes, sweat drips down my head, and my heart beats in fear and for all of Pompeii. I dare not to look back at what that dreadful lava is doing. I trip over a large rock, landing with a thud. My head turns to the right, moving until my whole body turns. The lava is closer than I assumed. Dwellings that were practically palaces burned and collapsed. The lava looks like blood flowing down the hills. Glorious statues, gardens, and villas are being attacked by lava and fireballs are shooting out of Vesuvius like arrows. Never have I seen Heaven and Hell so close together.

            Mother screams. “Candria! Get up, young lady. We have to leave town this instant.”

            I get up from my position and ran with my parents. It is as hot as a kiln! We run, and run, and run, but the lava will not keep away from us. There is a large building in front of us. A dead end, in the most literal way. Father sobs bitterly and mother falls upon his strong shoulder. We wrap our arms around each other. The lava is charging like us like an army. My skin is cooking. The lava is getting too close and…

                                              Citations    

Fact Monster; http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/sci/A0839633.html (Accessed Mar. 10, 2012)

Eye Witness to History; http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/pompeii.htm (Accessed Mar. 10, 2012)