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