derive of environs

I relocated back to Asheville NC post Hurricane Helene. I have discovered that much of the River Arts district remains destroyed almost a year later. Shells of washed-up automobiles and warnings about looting are here as memorabilia of our love for what was lost. Life rafts are hidden in the surrounding woods with tents and salvation army as a night light. Fireflies are rebuilding their numbers.
There are suggestions of abandonment felt by anger just beneath the surface. Alternate economies emerge as infrastructure wanes. Competition reigns as king with flies buzzing: its message and warning. Appalachia has always been on its own. Blue collar and underground rail foreman whip those that are left into shape. Water recedes like a fading hairline of a high-school sweet-heart gone grey. These are weathered streets with secrets revealed now that there is no more distraction.
What lasts she asks…
Appalachia…
he replies.