Spring Storm

by
Judy Harris

Thick clouds, black and heavy with the burden of heavy moisture,
Bank on the horizon and blot out the golden rays of the sun.
Wind increases to push the clouds overhead, dimming the light of day.

Humidity soars, making the air thick and heavy and difficult to breathe,
And stillness permeates the atmosphere while thunder distantly crashes,
Lightning intermittently flashes, and the world waits.

Suddenly, the skies release the load to inundate the earth that stretches,
With parched skin, to greet the cooling, cleansing gift of the rain.
Leaves flutter in the downpour, showering themselves of the grime of life.

Flowers and grass, bushes and trees all lift their heads to the loving,
Healing, refreshing rain, soaking in the joyful spring ritual of renewal.
As the light wind picks up a little, the delighted, watered blossoms dance

Their dance of spring thanksgiving…Puddles of water accumulate

In the dips and furrows of the soil, promising refreshment for the birds
And insects hiding from the rains, awaiting their turn at the fount.

The rustling increases as the wind begins to disperse the clouds, swirling the
Layers of blackness hither and yon. Flower-heads, soaked and heavy,
Bend and bow with the twirling air. Tree limbs wave their leaves

In a phantasmagorical ballet of praise to the elements, and currents of air

Streak across the ground, rippling the green, green grasses. Rain slackens and
Gradually stops, dripping contentedly from leaves and limbs, buds and
blossoms,

Running like rivulets to swell the limpid pools of surplus rain. The dispersing
Clouds whirl and writhe in the death-throes of the storm, flying in all directions,
Allowing the flickers of sunrays to shine through the gloom,

Reflecting on the droplets dangling from living growth—and birds begin their
Songs of joy as they splash and dance in the cool ponds, and water bugs and
Beetles swim in the glorious sea. Early spring rains have soaked the thirsting

Earth, and the wild jubilation is their sincere expression of gratitude, singing
And dancing and fluttering by nature’s glorious creatures. The world becomes
a Cathedral as the rays of sunlight fall like a blessing from God

Upon the sparkling clean, newly-nourished fields, creating a glow of heavenly

Peace. New growth, fed by the life-giving rain and confirmed by the life-blood
Of sun, swells tightly closed buds and infant leaves to bursting,
Fulfilling the promise of nature. The glow of the sun grows, and soon
The clouds have disappeared. Clear, vivid blue overhead irradiated with
Brilliant golden sun completes the image of spring beauty new-washed,

Freshened and haunting in the intensity of the purity of lines.

God’s creatures tumble and frolic in the wet grass
And play games of chase under the sprinkling fountains of leaves.

Peace reigns supreme in the world of God’s beautiful earthly heaven.

© Judy Harris