A Flash Of Lighting Poem by Barry Middleton

a flash of lightning lit the sky
the solitary moment
and then the darkness fell again
to bring a brief contentment

and there I saw illuminated
all of time transformed
I saw the silent planets turn
the day that light was born

I saw the wars and I saw peace
as tranquil night returned
I saw a glowing ember too
where fires of passion burned

I heard a schoolyard melody
I watched the children play
and far away a church bell rang
to mark the end of day

I saw the mastery of tides
that blessed a hidden beach
and far off lands I dreamed about
that I might never reach

a still and peaceful lake appeared
I stood confused by grace
and heard an angel cry aloud
forsaken in this place

and in that flash a lily bloomed
just freshened by the rain
and so I knew the storm would yield
if lilies yet remain

the trees were bending in the wind
and men were bent with age
and yet the light proclaimed desire
was writ on every page

and still the thunder like a bomb
did shake my fragile heart
but light would come to show the way
and hope would play its part

four horsemen stood upon a hill
and watched the storm with me
the wonder of the lightning flash
revealed eternity

but then I saw the wind subside
and sunrise graced the morn
the prelude to salvation's light
when newer souls are born

I was consumed by night and yet
the light was so profound
I saw attendant grace and hope
where silent gods are found