Storm Clouds

to the west
a darkness builds
in boiling rows
of white and gray

a southern wind
has primed the air
before its clash
with rushing chill

soon a flash
of distant heat
inflames this wall
of brooding cloud

and fear erupts
within our souls
born of memory
buried deep

will we survive
the coming storm
or fall beneath
its raging path

Iceland

an ocean isle
of fire born
above a ridge
of spreading sea

beyond the sight
of native soil
a hidden land
of ice and rock

within its core
a fury builds
as molten crust
explodes above

and from this rift
a plume of ash
that flows aloft
to distant shores

and there it chills
the soul of man
for nature gives
and takes as well

Trial of Life

could it be
as many say
that life on earth
is just a game

a fevered trial
to reach our goal
a test of will
to save our soul

that all is done
beneath his gaze
our faith to prove
along the way

oh what a field
on which to play
this complex web
of life and death

to claim that this
is just a stage
denies our place
in nature's realm

Fragrance

the frozen ground
has thawed to mud
the cold dry air
a balmy haze

as spring arrives
a fragrant breeze
of lilac blooms
and winter's kill

across this land
the odors blend
of petals sweet
and ripe decay

for in these weeks
a surge of life
amidst the death
of yester spring

Blessed are the Poor

blessed are the poor
for they shall suffer
they shall face critics
and they shall be silent

blessed are the poor
for they shall rely on hope
they shall seek comfort
and they shall be patient

blessed are the poor
for they shall know hunger
they shall welcome charity
and they shall be grateful

blessed are the poor
for they shall endure pain
they shall receive pity
and they shall feel shame

yes, blessed are the poor
for they shall lean on faith
they shall trust god
and they shall count on heaven