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A Calamitous Silence

The sky is threatening, an ominous shade
Of gray with streaks of ebony interspersed
As a calamitous silence hovers o’er the glade.

What were white clouds were dispersed
Being replaced with these angry storm clouds
Of gray with streaks of ebony interspersed.

They remind me of dreaded funereal shrouds
Some would willingly make that exchange, 
Being replaced with these angry storm clouds.

In that sense, they do appear eerily strange,
Mother Nature offers no cheerful alternative
Some would willingly make that exchange.

That the sky is threatening is contemplative
Of the end of life in all its dire ramification,
Mother Nature offers no cheerful alternative.

So, must every (wo)man find their station
In life and shine brightly, then slowly fade,
Comes once to everyone from all the nations
As a calamitous silence hovers o’er the glade.

FIRST PLACE WINNER
written December 11, 2021
Brian Strand Poetry Contest

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Christuraj Alex Date: 3/25/2022 9:43:00 PM "sky is threatening", "Mother Nature offers no cheerful alternative" - Beautiful. Congratulations! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/25/2022 9:56:00 PM Thank you so much, Chris.

Caren Krutsinger Date: 12/12/2021 4:55:00 PM Your skies sound intriguing, terrific imagery. I am glad you were not ducking a tornado. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/12/2021 5:29:00 PM It hit southwestern Kentucky, although we did have some pretty stormy weather for a couple of days. No tornado in Ashland, TG!

Sotto Poet Date: 12/11/2021 4:56:00 PM A magnificent example of a challenging poetry form, as shown here. During this awful storm, you created a beautiful poem. Milton, I hope you're doing well during these difficult circumstances. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/11/2021 6:22:00 PM Thank you so much for your complimentary comment, Lasaad. Although we have had stormy weather, the disastrous tornadoes were on the other side of the state to the south of us. Thanks for your thoughts and concern.

Michael Kalavik Date: 12/11/2021 2:49:00 PM A masterful example of a difficult poetic form. Have you published in New Yorker? Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/11/2021 4:09:00 PM No, I have not, Michael. My most prominent publication is Christian Century, but I have also had poems in Grit, Capper's Weekly, and other national publications. Oh, how I'd love to appear in New Yorker, but I don't think I have what it takes. I think you do, though.