Spirit Wind

An ill wind and a fine wind
blow all about the world.

They master the sails
and leave freedom’s flags unfurled.

One churns up the harvest
and riles up the soil,

wreaks havoc with the crops
and undoes the farmer’s toil.

A fine wind brings merriment
to a traveler on the bay;

it cools down the laborer
and gives pleasure to his day.

Sometimes an ill wind
upturns a ship at sea

and lays flat a city
whose beauty used to be.

We may curse the wind
or rejoice in its fling,

For if it weren’t for the wind,
would the wind chimes sing?

©June 26, 2003