I stood in the storm and swallowed the sky...

Tornado sirens sounded and I went outside to feel the sky wrap around me…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sirens, first low-humming

rising, shrieking strumming at the sky

white fire scream-streaking growing

burning through the atmosphere

come the drums of flame

fierce burning, rumbling, deep

trembling clouds hovering

dancing in slow-motion tremors

frantic feelings fade to sacred awe

in the crispness of the air

scented breezes thrust and rush

breathing over my skin

tasting electricity in the wind

the earth alive and moving

birds soft-still and silent

as rain flees Cheshire clouds in panic

I stood in the storm

and swallowed the sky…

Reviews

[emmajoy]

Oh my goodness- how the lack of punctuation flows and scream into wildness! You've captured the moments, the weather, the atmosphere, the terror, then, almost unbelievably described the gradual calm after the tornado, the settling, the slowing,'tasting electricity in the wind ~ the earth alive and moving'; then .. that last line, that gloriously vast last line, '.. and swallowed the sky...' A very different style from you but as fine as ever was. Great picture too, following your Alice theme, plus a relevant poem because of the weather in parts of your country.

Many thanks for sharing, Craig!

[alice]

I love the picture and adore anything Lewis Caroll related/inspired. I love the emotions and how you capture the essence of the storm and how awe-inspiring nature is, a force to be reckon with. Untamable and chaotic, yet a necessity.

I was almost blown away by this beautiful piece, how nice your words are. After reading this I felt very one with the storm of your quill. Unique in style and beautiful how this flow whirls around the screen. Thank you Craig.

[Tina Kline]

Very impressive. There's a lot of power and motion in this poem, just like a wild raging storm. Beautiful imagery. This is a really grand poem!

[Wendy Seames Garner]

The perfect poem for all the crazy weather we have been having. Breath-taking and beautiful!

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

I felt a vast reality as I read this.
Exquisite.

[Mockingbird]

where do you get these amazing alice in wonderland photographs. i love them. i am such a big fan of lewis carroll's alice! these photos are so surreal.

[Charlie]

This has to be the best string of words I've ever read describing a storm. Absolutely gorgeous. I've read it four times already, and I just might read it again. Kudos!

[Jessica Bryn]

I love how you just let the lines flow from one to the other--it really makes the poem work. Like the poem itself is the storm, and you're just experiencing it as you read. Great job!

[Coyote Poetry]

I like the flow of thoughts and the emotion of this poem. To be overtook by the storm can make us feel alive and afraid at the same time. No weakness in this amazing poem.
Coyote

[jkhatz]

I don't think... no, I know, I've never read a more entrancing, vivid description of a storm. Your words cascade like torrential rain, creating swirling images of a thunderous moment.

If I had my way, all aspiring writers would look to you for guidance -- to see how it's done.