Nature’s Caress



It’s springtime in a Midwest town.
Early darkness has crashed upon us -
Black clouding the once blue sky.
Rumbling thunder under fluorescent lighting…
Rumble CRASH
Flicker FLASH
Somewhere something is touched by lightning.

The slow spring breeze picks up speed
And frenzies some nearby Junipers.
A sparrow flaps frantically against Nature’s caress,
A fruitless endeavor she fights nonetheless,
Her hatchlings squawk helplessly from their safe nest.
Flicker flicker FLASH
The building earns a brilliant silhouette.
Rumble rumble CRASH

Then a slap slap against the glass
Draws my attention out of the clouds,
Only to see raindrops like marbles begin pouring down.
Flicker flicker
I shoot a glance - too late to see its maker.
Rumble rumble
Follows close - a warning of Her force.
Flicker flicker flicker FLASH
My pupils shrink -
FLASH FLASH FLASH
A burning imprint of a shredded sky,
As clouds kiss the ground.
Rumble rumble shudder CRASH



Don L. Waddell, 1995