by Gideon Burton
As heaven’s rivers overflow, cascade
in shearing cloudbursts gray as coal and cold
as wet and naked skin by wind betrayed;
a tumult of the elements grows bold
as timid earth its muddy meadows shrugs,
then coughs in thickened rivers till their seams
unweave fresh powers that with forcing tugs
uproot the oak, bring down the trusses, beams–
so I have been a passive party, mute
in elemental resignation, calm
as nature’s fractured skies or hungry brute,
as ribby children holding up a beggar’s palm.
As weather will explode then ebbing, slow;
the fury comes as sure as it will go.
Feel free to copy, imitate, remix, or redistribute this poem as long as you give proper acknowledgment of authorship. Photo: flickr - tab2space
Very powerful, as is your topic. It made me think of an essay Jessi wrote, "The Wind Holds a Grudge."
ReplyDeleteMother Nature never lets us forget she's in charge.