the sun was shining
when the thunder cracked.
i saw lightning flash.
its jagged tail disappeared
into the deep woods.
the wind came on quick
and every leaf on the place
turned belly up
to meet the static on the air,

to soak in light and electric
and let it all shudder through
their vulnerable, velvety bellies.
from my kitchen window
suspended above the ridge
i see dark clouds in the distance
and can’t find the rainbow.
the blue sky weeps.
it’s just that old devil
knocking his wife around
again.