Sky Cracks
Virginia Salter

I think the sky broke apart
about six-ten a.m. today
It cracked so loud that I
have a severed heart in fray.

The cats went in to hiding
to save each layer of skin
With breathless moments, surviving
was all their daring could win.

The air was still, the sky too quiet
the flags stood stiff as posts
And then a bang, an horrendous bang
turned hearts and lives to ghosts.

Then the chill of rain-clouds trill
pelted soil and stone
Thundered applause gave weatherman pause
who found his skills need hone.

And now a breeze, within the trees
has come to spur the chill
It’s pushed away the clouds to stay
and given the sun to fill.

Glistening as diamonds,
each droplet on each leaf,
Thwarting the storm, its motley form,
perplexing the would-be thief.

© July 6, 2001