A Summer Storm

Well before dawn the storm arose,

Coming with full warning out of the west,

Bringing with it lightning, thunder, rain.

As it sweeps over and around us,

Validating the forecasters’ radar,

Crackling and rolling,

Barrels upon the front porch—

I know that it will pass,

That it will continue toward the east,

That it will spend its beautiful fury

Upon Mississippi and Alabama,

Reaching Georgia,

Reaching the Atlantic coast

Just as a new front

Will be born in west Texas.

--June 29, 2013