With one day to go before the deadline, I thought I would squeeze in one of my poems to fit in with the prompt of The Day of The Storm. This is based on a tree in the garden of one of my old houses – I was always very nervous when it was windy, but then it had been standing for over a hundred years so I’m sure there was nothing to worry about……
A FORCE OF NATURE
The large sentry creaks,
battered by gale;
its branches twisting
and folding in on themselves.
As if to protect the trunk –
its heart.
A symphony whistles through
early evening air
as leaves dance and spar
and let the wind pass through.
Their music all but drowned out by
the relentless breath of wind.
I watch as ground around me
is ripped up;
a cacophony of noise and destruction.
Empty plastic bags ride the gusts,
refuse spills,
and garden debris stings my eyes.
I catch a movement
out the corner of my eye
and note a light in
neighbouring house.
Without communication
I still sense their trepidation;
their nervous watchfulness
as tree sways
ominously towards
their rooftop.
Then retreats.
Then repeats;
Advances and retreats,
Advances and retreats.
The majestic oak
becomes a threat.
And I catch my breath
And wait
And watch
And hope
That the wind will die down soon.
(c) Elizabeth Frattaroli