Storm Clouds

STORM CLOUDS Storm clouds gathering again from the Pacific Over this graveyard and its winged totems, Cedar stories rich in legends, these items --- Of far-off people, Shamans, and soaring spirits prolific. --- Of the sea Indians - salmon fishermen - now absent From the Weywakum cabins at the choppy anchorage, * Facing the ragged edge of the Inside Passage * With its grey waves and treacherous current. Graveyards always feel shivery and cold, But these souls are sealed at peace from storms. My eyes begin to brim as I read the stones Marking the changing currents of life age-old. The chill wind pierces my jacket, waters my eyes. Gathering in the darkling day without any dawn, Storm petrels from far Quatsino Sound blown * Into the ragged edges of grey clouds in the wintry skies. ………………………..................................................................… NOTE *Weywakum Indians, Inside Passage, Quatsino Sound are all well-known local people and places around Campbell River, B C ……………………………………………………………………………………………. Written by Sydney Peck 13th August 2011, For Francine Roberts’ Contest “Totems in the Darkening Sky”