First hours of dawn.
sleep-filled eyes of the world
continue their dreams.
brilliant peacock tail of sunrise
looms over the quiet scene.
despotical wind seizes control.
verdant fingertips of trees
shudder from consternation.
puddles of murky water
waver apprehensively.
its origins from past outbursts
of dejected cries;
flooding worn asphalt with
the clouds’ despondent tears
bird nests rest comfortably
from the knowledge that strong
powerful arms of branches hold them up;
displaying the young birds
so the wind may inspect them
to deem them worthy of shelter.
fledglings coo and cuddle each other,
comforted that momma bird
is off in search of food to nourish
them when they fully awaken.
peacock tail of sunrise brightens
sky warmly, shoos away
tyrannical wind and basks
in the glory of a new day.
sun’s aureate fingers caress
dewed-touched emerald jewels;
delicate blades of grass
and smoothes tears away from
still-trembling verdant fingertips leaves;
terrified of the wind.
16 April 1998