IN THE KEY OF G

I built that coop out there

on the first two acres I ever owned

It was for the Parmenter Red hens

we’d raised from day-old chicks.

I was proud of the way that 

rough-sawn wood hung straight 

on the frame nailed together 

and raised by hands.

I was leaning in the doorway

looking at my trees when the storm 

struck and bark blew off a maple

fifteen feet away!

The lightning carried thunder

in its wide-open hands...

Right now! And again

and again!

For five exploding minutes

I became irrelevant,

unnoticed,

in a symphonic crescendo

not played for my benefit.

Author's Note

There is something special about time spent safe in flimsy protection while nature reminds you of your own mortality.

Reviews

[Lorry]

But maybe it was for your benefit Vol, to spread the word that the gods are a tad put out by our own indifference.
And as we know what happened last time that happened, some old testament ire was lated upon the disbelievers (hey, I'm talking bible stuff, how 'dat happen?)
I too have seen natures majesty up close.
I have seen a tree explode in a lightning storm too, and thought to myself "well I'm jolly glad I didn't shelter there then" before ducking my head down behind that impenetrable tent, hoping I don't get killed by a random filing cabinet, or come to think of it, something more found in nature than than a filing cabinet would more appropriate. Perhaps something the size of an old thirties refrigerator...
Now, where was I? Oh yes! I was ducking my head down avoiding Ford car type thing, that would look not too dissimilar to a filing cabinet....
VOL, I'M STUCK IN AN INFINITE LOOP, AND WITHOUT MY TOWEL TOO! WHAT DOES THE GUIDE SAY TO DO?

[Vol]

Lorry,
First of all, Don't panic! Then I'd mix up a gallon or so of Jinintonix. If that doesn't work, be careful and move on to a Pangalactic Gargleblaster... If you can still walk, scrape together as many leaves as you can find because they will soon be worth more than dollars because the current administration has not yet finished F*****g everything up.
Vol

[Lorry]

Hmm, and just one final question Mr Vol.... Just exactly who will you be voting for in the upcoming election/impeachment?
Your lot make our lot over here seem so very beige in comparison. 😊

[Vol]

Lorry,
Easy answer... whoever has policies most in ligh with my own. It looks like Biden could fall over dead at any moment, and Trump the same for gnawing his own legs off... In terms of "who" exactly, I see NO ONE out front or in the wings who is not an idiot.
Vol

[Zoe Richardson]

Chickens are very popular around here. I am thinking of raising some myself next year, if I can erect a coop suitable for keeping out coyotes and other varmints. I have a friend who entered her prize hen in a chicken pageant (yes, that's a thing.) It's amazing, isn't it, when we create something with our hands, feel like we are conquerors, and then God says, "Let me show you hat I can do!" Trees grow for hundreds of years. Our old chicken coop is a pile of rubble after fifty years. It sort of puts on in their place, whehter the lightning bolt is real, or just the realization of time passing. Thank you for your elegant expression of this. And for reminding me I need chickens!

[Vol]

Zoe... A coyote killed eight of my best chickens and my mean old Chanticleer, who would not let the young, newcomers into the coop, so they slept on top of the fence. As usual, hubris goes before a fall, and the babies are the only survivors... But they are laying two small eggs a day. Welsummers are gorgeous and have feathers that look like pheasants, Black Giants are tough, and GREAT layers, but reds are really easy and reliable.

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you for that advice! My friend's daughter raises Easter Eggers, who lay blue and green eggs. I literally get to eat green eggs and ham. lol My cousin has a rooster that is like your Chanticleer. He has the most beautiful black feathers with a blue-green tinge. He is definitely c**k of the walk. I just want a few good laying hens to start with. I would raise some for meat, but the idea of plucking all those feathers is too intimidating. lol

[Vol]

I live on two acres with a fenced chicken yard, I just prefer to pay for feed and get fresh eggs, than buying them at the store.

[Desert Knave]

It always amazes me how quickly nature can remind us how "small" we are. Nicely done and very "visual" in its descriptions. ~Jim

[Vol]

Thank you, Knave!
Vol

[W. Barrett Munn]

“a symphonic symphony played not for my benefit” is a great line of poetry.

Winston