The window presents a view:
various shades of verdancy;
bright yellow green to deepest pines
& a thousand tones in between.
Landscape is softened by grey skies.
Delicate drops leak from clouds
to fall soft tears on new green earth.
Distant trees appear as through
a film of milk or mother of pearl
ground so thin it's transparent...
Two birds fly East towards encroaching dusk.
Seeking dry branches, they dip beneath
low hanging limbs & power lines
never pausing to light & roost.
Instead they fly hurriedly
moving out of sight into
the sheltering depths of an ancient oak
whose lichen covered bark is wintry white
& whose twisting branches are bearded
with spanish moss.
They sense the coming storm long
before the first lightning forks the sky
& thunder rolls through the fields.
Other creatures begin to run for cover
as wind picks up & rain intensifies.
Soon enough storm arrives
rain pelting along with hail
rattling on metal roofs bouncing,
chaotic as nature's cleansing.
All this I see from safe haven,
deep within concrete, brick & steel.
& though winds are spinning, raving,
my fortress walls are not caving
& though convenient light might fail
it too will be restored: grasses will
be greener for the drenching
& air will feel so clean
it is holy to inhale:
it’s taste, a sacrament on the tongue.
(Copyright 11 May 2006)
Hugh, you rock! Another delicious treat stuffed with humanity. Hugs Anna xxx
And I'm watching it all with you, Hugh. Your poem is my window to this amazing scene of natural beauty. Love, Gina.
What a meaningful, potent ending to this excellent poem! I'm rather envious of those closing lines, as well as: '... into the sheltering depths of an ancient oak whose lichen covered bark is wintry white & whose twisting branches are bearded with spanish moss.' and i particularly heard the sound upon the roof, thanks to your vivid use of description. one of your finest offerings, Hugh (which is saying a lot since there are so many!)
Grand. Calming. More - (pretty please) .
A pleasantly picturesque piece that tranquillises the reader (well it did for me) as it gentlly unfolds. And what a apropos last line. You pen these portraitures just as adroitly as your intellectually stimulating and mystical poems. Stellar work as per usual from you, Hugh.
A great poem from the beginning and throughout! ! The beautiful landscape and then tying it all together to the Spirit.
I thought tonight I would check to see if you had any new submissions, and golly Hugh, I landed on another treasure of yours. This poem offered me as a reader so many beautiful visuals. I love the way you played with your creativity and portrayed an exraordinary view that was more than a glimpse, it was an experience. This one surly will be enjoyed by many. Unique work Hugh. Thanks for sharing.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Excellent from start to finish. I forget how many shades of green there are sometimes, and that animal sixth sense that makes them seek refuge, while some of us storm- chase. Give your window cleaner a big tip, this christmas.Danny