The Oncoming Storm

A preternatural light
hovering between
eerie luminescence
and forest gloom
peculiar to oncoming storms
pervaded our landscape.

Silence stifled the atmosphere
as we passed the tragic majesty
of new-fallen forest giants
venerable pines felled
by the violence of the last storm
thrashing through this place.

No bird song, no chatter of
territorial wildlife.
The forest stream eddies
scant progress arrested;
no rustling of old leaves
nor trembling of new
atmosphere thick
with anticipation.

Another storm approaches
stealthily, deliberately
with intent to pounce
in stark suddenness
after allaying trepidation
in this quiet interlude.

It will strike
with a ferocity the equal
of any of nature's predators.

c. 2009 Rita Rosenfeld