THE GALES

Gale winds, fear

Gale force winds rumble like a freight train

My fear sumps to the deep, heart flutters with panic

All I can view out my window looks evil

I lay in bed, sure that the house shakes

Sleep slips away to another space

Worry shrouds me, I slowly creep under cover

Lights blink on and off, fumble for my flashlight

Alas, the candles never move

 

 

Angst that my new evergreen trees are fallen

Newly planted last month, tenderly at rest

A hedge of tall green giants, grow quickly in summer

since I am at work, with my hose drowning the roots

smug about my incessant labor

dawn breaks, my giants all in tact

glued to the earth

 

I distress about my dear feathered friends in this ferocious gale

Ferried by the wicked wind, they soar to cozy nests

Whereby they cuddle, squeeze in, make love

chirp away as the wind recedes

fly with bliss to my feeders and water baths

once again, safe, my trees, my bird friends rejoin with me

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

This happened the other night, very scary

Reviews

[emmajoy]

Gales can speed through space near invisibly yet audibly as if ghouls on the hunt for lost souls.. scary as hell. You've described how it makes you feel so very well, Betty. Unless there are littlies or animals in the house, thoughts may well go go to the Outdoors and your fear here s so very obvious, which as landscapist deeply impresses me. Tis odd however that if plants, trees and all are planted as should be, perhaps helped/guarded by supports or wall, etc' they do flourish ando survive = even with a little damage. Your garden's obviously brilliantly cared for. Hugs and respect for your caring green fingers ~ plus your love of feathery flitterers. :) And, must quickly add,, belatedly, . your poem is so finely expressed!

'.. once again, safe, my trees, my bird friends rejoin with me'

[Betty Hermelee]

What a thoughtful review Emma! This gale really happened and WAS very scary, we had just planted giant Arborvitae when it struck, but my dear trees made it through, and two mourning birds showed up on our deck railing! Stay safe a d warm!

[emmajoy]

You obviously know how to care for your plants, Betty - so very pleased for you. Plus, more often than not, birds often know the safest gardens to visit. :) Take care, keep safe, too.

[Betty Hermelee]

You too! And keep your mask on.. with new variants!!! What next?
Betty

[emmajoy]

Have all the necessary bag in car and by front door. Remind neighbour ~ elderly, I might see.. but actually they know how to OBEY rules.. great example of how to win. To be honest, not trying to guess what next; curbing thoughts ~ must. :)

[Samuel Dickens]

This is a perfect description of how you felt during those high winds, and lord knows we've been getting rocky weather all over the US and beyond. I'm so glad the morning found your pines intact and still standing. A recent storm in my area knocked hundreds of trees down. When the house starts shaking, it's time to worry.

[Betty Hermelee]

sorry it took me so long to reply to this, but I love your comments, always!!!
Best, B

[Lila_Halliwell]

I love the picture and feeling you describe in this pome...and especially the last line!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your kind review
Best, Betty

[Samith Pich]

It's interesting how we view nature's forces. You really describe well the fear and angst of worrying about the things you care about.

But I also like how you juxtapose it with how animals react with nature, and that their resilience is stronger than our fear.

Thanks for sharing!

[Betty Hermelee]

so sorry it took me so long to respond, and thank you so much for your lovely review.
Best, Betty

[Lorry]

We had some overnight gales here the past few nights and what with it turning the surrounding trees into librarians all shushing me, couldn't help but feel like the blonde in a horror movie (blondes always die in first minute) and conjure up every horror movie scene I've ever seen.
But thankfully, life usually returns to normal on waking... Usually 😊
Glad you made it through the storm 😊

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for your fine review Lorry, it was pretty scary!!
P.S please read Chapter 8 of COOL JOE, putting 9 any day now, it gets better!

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Betty and the big storms are scary. Here in Michigan. The wind can knock down a old tree. I liked how you described the world around you and the storm. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for reviewing my friend, sorry for late reply.
Best, B.

[Coyote Poetry]

No problem dear Betty and you are welcome.