It is always nice to hear 

the thunder after a bright 

electrical streak across the sky.

My granddaddy use to say,

“Do not be afraid of the thunder, 

the danger just passed.” 

It is the surprise of the lightening

cutting across the dark sky 

Illuminating the silhouettes of trees, 

not seen in the darkness of 

the morning horizon. 

A rhythm of light and sound, 

an autumn storm of drum rolls 

and quiet interludes pause. 

Then the conductor of the heavens 

raise his sticks and once again,

the lightening magically cuts 

across in jagged patterns. 

Moments later the thunder 

drums out a rhythm of response 

and the storm rolls on.

CMM. 2025