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...inspired by 'August Rain' by Joseph Brodsky


The afternoon dissolves to darkness,
suddenly the downpour tumbles
and the spouts regurgitate.
Willows wilt and elm trees tremble,
intertwine, then dissassemble,
all awash in green and grey,
threads of nature cast asunder,
unattached they dance and scatter
at the dimming of the day.

Hedges stripped, once meshed together,
tree tops tussle in the fray,
the kettle sings a screaming descant,
shrieking o'er the storm's foray, and listen
to the cabin creaking, squeaking loud 
as if to say, I'll bear this, and so much more.
Windows grey with condensation,
all are safe and warm before the fire.

Comfort is not relegated, 
greatcoats hang from studded rafters,
scarves and mufflers blend together,
boots and slickers for the brave ones,
regimented rows aligned.
Now there's stew and home-made biscuits,
mugs of cocoa laced with rum,
a cure for nature's howl and hum.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Mac Donald Avatar
January 9, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Hey again Keith! This piece is vibrantly visual. "Nature howl"'s but regardless this feels warm and comforting. Nature must be howling and humming so one will take notice, and invite it in for "stew and home-made biscuits". My mom made wonderful biscuits...I make hockey pucks...anyhow...sighhhh Be well Keith! Best to you and yours. God Bless!...Love, Mikki
Köhp Avatar
January 8, 2009 at 1:53 PM
@ Stacie or Keith. Heart of Darkness was Joseph Conrad.
Köhp Avatar
January 8, 2009 at 1:51 PM
This poem reminds me of a few nights in the countryside. We stayed with a friend in Devon over bonfire night. They had a big old farm with huge fields full of animals and a pond full of toads. Reading this was like being back in that kitchen, the huge stove with wood burning as we spoke over coffee and pumpkin soup. :D Thank you for bringing all of that back to me! Nathaniel
Guzzi Avatar
January 7, 2009 at 4:39 PM
brrrrrrr shiver, there's an ice storm in New England today! Light & Love Debbie Guzzi
Gass Avatar
January 7, 2009 at 10:02 AM
What wonderful images this creates, Keith. I love a good storm, especially from the comfort of home. Stew and home-made biscuits are certainly comfort foods (one of my favs to make and eat) and bring warmth to this excellent write. Love, Robin
Richards Avatar
January 7, 2009 at 6:59 AM
Wow....this one goes into my favorites...I loved this Keith! Good luck ...a great entry if written for the contest!! :) Carrie
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