Forest Storm Poem by C Richard Miles

Sauntering deep in the woodlands in summertime,
I stroll by streamlets half-dry in the heat,
Wandering. unaware that there would come a time
When I would, terrified, beat a retreat.

Up in the trees, gloss-green leaflets are fluttering,
Waving warm welcome as butterflies, birds:
Winged, mystic messengers bustle by,
Uttering songs with mysterious words.

Lulling me gently with soulful soliloquies,
Warbling linnets and skylarks on high
Make tuneful music; Though something seems ill at ease,
Hinting at faraway threats from the sky.

Far in the distance, white cloudlets developing
Mountains of menace, though still out of sight
Foster intentions of hungry enveloping
All sultry sunbeams that dropp down soft light.

Massing malevolence grows in dark thunderclouds.
Though yet far off, chilling breaths stalk the air
Making the wildlife to worry and wonder. Clouds
Carrying hatred can harass and scare.

Deep in the forest the raindrops are pattering
Down from the clouds, as they glower on high
Startled by thunder the squirrels are scattering,
Looking for shelter to keep themselves dry.

Now all around me is lightning and thundering,
Causing commotion where once there was peace
Flashes so close, that it’s frightening; I’m wondering
Whether the torrents of terror will cease.

Hard to the ground, hard white hailstones are hammering
Stripping the leaves from the trembling trees
Nature in terror for silence is clamouring
But all its cries blow away in the breeze.

But, through the battering downpour come glittering
Shy drops of daylight which dare to peep out,
Lighting the leaves on the forest floor littering,
Ending the thralldom of worry and doubt.

Soon welcome sun warms the air, ends the tearfulness,
Hanging from branches, raindrops soon dry
Hope comes again as the calm works its cheerfulness
As blue skies smile on each soaked passerby.

Swift through the canopy sunlight can flood again
Bringing delight to the wanderers who roam
Now I can ramble relieved through the wood again
Happily tracking my pleasant way home.