Drumfire Roars To Silence

A dense sky-rubble trundled and spilled above the rooftops a runaway thunder ground along unseen tracks, a near salvo rocking mind-cradles, then a muted detonation over a far off storm bruised landscape. The tumult cracked and sizzled- leaden were the rayless shades. I returned home in the nick of a dispersing moment. The house seemed crouched, ceilings low and cowering; a living-space quashed by a heavy hand rooms sheltering from the weight of imminent upheaval. I paused for the searing glare of lightning yet a deepening gloom sparked no ignition nor flash; only a pressing portent of menace. Then as rapid as the booming onslaught arrived the heavens broke open, gravity expelled a lighter breath to rise ballooning into an airy light. All who huddled beneath that cacophony sighed now in shamed relief a prayer unspoken upon their lips. I did not leave my dwelling that day until my timid tabby cat bravely led the way.