Riding Out The Storm (Poetry)

Supple and long-limbed she rides the wind
arms reining in the wildness of the night
that breathless snorting churning up the air
while black clouds funnel what there is of light.

She leans quite fearless out into the storm
sensation streams — intoxicates — entrances
washes through her flimsy cloak of leaves
cascading down to drench her lowest branches.

She’s rooted firmly in the stubborn earth
but on such nights as this her spirit flies
and gallops naked — shudders in the dark
whipping through the turmoil-ravaged skies.

Lightening threatens — quick and savage-tongued
thunder growls and bullies — stamps its feet
where yawning clouds release their ice-toothed rain
stand witness as bare wood and water meet.

The weather bucks and throws all that it can
fierce its mad-eyed runaway routine
yet still she clings untumbled — skin rubbed raw
her nature bold as it has ever been.