Thursday, April 28, 2011

Tornado



In the clash of day with night

rising heat, swirling vapors, vortex
of hail and nascent funnel
stoke Jehovah’s fire
in the Southern sky

until flashing night slays dark day
like judgment come round at last,
and heavy clouds reach down
to wipe clean
the sacred slate.


Saturday, April 23, 2011

I Just Cut the Grass

I just cut the grass, and
the cat is checking out my work.

She’s critical, but helps out,
grazing contentedly on  
sprigs of errant chaff
that I missed in my hurry
to finish.  Clouds are gathering
on this cold, Holy Saturday.

Now I tarry in my webbed chair,
to sip a cold bottle of beer,  
and wonder how green
the world has grown.

Knock-out roses pop
(their vermillion tips shout
in the more common green of fern and ivy)
and red cherries fill the green cherry-tree.

Soon from shattered shells
new life will rise
as mockingbirds fly
to fill shrill beaks
with cherries.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Good Friday

The day was filled with lash and thorn,
hands lacerated by hammered nail
til brain seared
and pain pierced
this great,
bleeding
soul.

Ancient grief still lingers on this
sun-drenched, bird-filled day,
as I wait in line to kiss
the wood and
pray.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Through Thin Slats

Through thin slats
I see how flat blue hills
wash out to whiter dusk,
rise to garish sky,
where tenuous day presses
even the setting sun
down to shallow grave.

But here, deep within this room;
I am safe, surrounded
by circle of empty chairs….
peaceful meeting,
vacant stares….

where I wait for night
to unfold this paper land.

Then, with bated breath
I'll hear the fated cry
of coyote,  the riot of
lusty toad.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Thunderstorm


Cobalt fingers probe
naked ground
when explodes
the darkest cloud.

Edge of lightning
searing air
with raucous roil of
heaven’s laughter.

We watch in fear
‘til setting sun
sheds royal tears
with golden love.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Anxious Day, Driven Leaves




Anxious day, driven leaves
clinging to summer’s
bright new dream.

I’ll let in the night,
make wide the door.
I don’t fear the dark’s
clawing cold storm,

for you I hear singing
passionately;
your endless love’s
my constant need.


Saturday, April 2, 2011

Slanting Rays

Slanting rays,
gold and green,
stream through grass and
nodding trees,

as high above
flashing wings
of amorous doves
whisper to the wind
to end
spring’s tender day