angry sea
angry sky
in between
the boughs all fly
tree trunks bow
wind tests their roots
and salts the air
with whitecaps flare
so here am I
lens held to chest
braced to keep
a steady frame
while all around
the chaos roars
a shutter click
renders it tame
Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your father’s deeds
And why you’d need to set me free
I would not listen, I did not know how
Perhaps I’ll listen now
And I in the storm
Enthralled by the beauty of
Violent nature
Moved to pondering
The nature of violence
Buffeting within
And I on my buffeted perch
Witness to all this tumult
Moved, again, by wonder
Unmoved by the tides
Steadfast in the currents
An oasis of calm in the tumult
The waves break upon me
Then slide back to the ocean
Their energy dissipated
Until the sea itself
Is becalmed
Storm abates
Combatants retire
Skies clear
Calm returns
In this now
A future undeniable
A faith unassailable
A love unequivocal
I stand with you
Will you stand with me?
A couple dares the ocean
To douse their sneakers
Which it will no doubt oblige
Her morning walks allow no thought
For the outcomes of such imprudent wagers
Just the waves the sand and the wind
Now on the homeward leg to shower and eat
Then off to work six days a week
At the cafe with its cliches and charm
Where she serves many a breakfast
To tourists and their soggy feet
But for the gulls
Soaring with graceful ardour
Placid amidst the tumult
Pix to Words 