When Things Work

Last night the power flickered once or twice

Then became something else

Lights on for a bit would suddenly become brighter

All over the house, not just one room

This took a while to verify

(Intermittent issues are challenging that way)

But eventually it was clear something was wrong 

I called the PG&E emergency line

Explained what was happening

And also mentioned that 

Years ago when we first moved in

The same issue occurred when a ground wire

Outside the house came loose

And a giant surge went right through

The surge protectors and fried our appliances

Including our TV which burst into flames 

A fire we all and the house survived

So once fried twice shy

I was understandably nervous

PG&E asked me to shut off the main power

And wait - but not long!

Loren called me almost right away

He asked me to describe the issue

He was there in like 20 minutes

He was so nice 

Cheerful and competent at midnight

Shining his head lamp all over the place

I see the problem, he said

Shouldn't take long

And it didn't

Some beeping and flashing

And that was that

He had me turn the main power back on

Turn on all the lights 

And microwave a glass of water to test it all

No flickers no surges

Loren nods

Looks like that was it, he says

Waving goodbye with a smile

Good old Loren 

He came, he fixed, he left

All in less time than it takes for 

My groceries or Indian food to arrive

And I have to say

In these days 

When structures and services and supply chains

Seem to be falling apart

And basic health and safety 

For the average citizen

Doesn't seem to be such a common priority

It was reassuring to participate in 

Something That Worked

Ah, it is possible!

I'm grateful for emergency lines that function

And for all the Lorens out there 

Nurse Loren and Teacher Loren 

Farmer Loren and Waste Management Loren 

Thank you for knowing what to do

And doing what needs to be done

To keep us safe, fed, functioning, flourishing

I feel reluctant to praise PG&E

Yet credit where credit is due

Thank you for responding 

And please keep the Lorens coming