Gulf Storm

When the clouds drop

low and ominous

reminding me of a

Gulf storm coming

after a pleasant fall day

digging a midst bulbs and sprouts

never saw that baby copperhead

small pit viper, it was

trying as I was

to make indentations

in that dark earth

masking thoroughly

the uneasiness of the raven's nest

the troubles that dominate inside

lace ropes of frailty

wrapping the inner chamber

that storm due in

an uncertain flood plain

bayous cut deep

will swarm with gators, snakes

better to stumble upon the copperhead

and not the coral snake

red and yellow

kill a fellow

and even a brooding girl

with a petulant pout...

but I choose rather to think

of fall flowers

black-eyed Susan

rock rose

blood sage

and not lurking serpents

the curse of a malicious existence

so I leave that nightmarish daydream

not daring to delve

into the impending storm

Oh that calm sea

the cliffs of England near distant

perpetual lull

of incoming tides

sand and pebbles dance

if you listen

you can hear

that eternal note of sadness

coming eventide

In this vast, northern sea

emanating in shadowy depths below

that which Sophocles knew

the bane of human misery

washed from The Sea of Faith

salty tears shed

and in all the world

those paltry lands of dreams

absent are joy, love, light

no help for all that ails

and out on that darkling plain

those ignorant armies still clash

and separate the world we have

from one that might have become