STORM
   Lightening-
   THUNDER!
   Frightening wonder!
   Violent, searing...
   ...silent...
   ...fearing...
   Raindrops streaming,
   Rooftops screaming...
   Aboltstrikesthen-
   THUNDER!
   An oak lies asunder...
   Powerful gales,
   Sorrowful wails...
   Limber trees bending;
   The stubborn-
   Upending...
   The din is incessant,
   The sky, luminescent...
   Eerily slowing...
   Mysteriously going...
   A shy,
   Discreet,
   Yet sly,
   Retreat.
   Subtle remains:
   Puddles of rain...
   Eaves slowly seeping...
   Leaves gently weeping...
   The moon starts to yawn
   In wait of the dawn...
   And then there is nothing...
   ...no, nothing...
   ...but calm.

   by Ann Hodges
   Copyright 2000