Tension ignites the charged atmosphere
as sky oxidizes to gunmetal gray—
obscuring horizon where clouds meet the range...
a deep thrum advances, its levies unclear;
an ominous rumble, a rampant exchange.
Observed on the cloud-line a bright ricochet…
another, then strong scent of sulfur appears;
closer now, tremors are felt on the ground…
What is this insurgent and vapid display;
this building percussion, crescendo of sound—
conducted in
part by some crazed cannoneer,
a maestro or madman—we’ve yet to decide.
The cymbals are crashing, the timpani rolls…
and yet the true threat hasn’t made itself clear—
just who will remain when campaign exacts tolls?
For now we stand strong while the forces collide.
Way off in the distance we watch the clouds swarm
the thunder approaches just over the rise…
with feet on the ground, trust our stance justified
soon we will know if the gods empathize.
One ear-piercing volley and we are forewarned;
we
rotate to face the oncoming storm.
© Ginny Brannan 2014
© Ginny Brannan 2014
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| Thunderstorm stock by Apothicbeauty on deviantART Original image by Apothicbeauty, overlaid with author's images from Gettysburg reenactments. |
storms are pretty cool...so much awesome power...you caught that tension right before the storm really well...the metaphor is a bit scarier of the storms in our lives...especially those we see coming....
ReplyDeleteA very compelling observation in this one, Ginny. You've invested the atmospherics with a sense power that calls from beyond where our normal objects of perception lie. There's a real sense of otherworldliness in this that moves the spirit. Excellent work. And congratulations on being included in the anthology. I hope many others get to know you the way we do here in the blogs!!!
ReplyDeleteSteve
I could feel the power and energy in this. Fantastic atmospherical write.
ReplyDeleteThose political storms that we are facing are discordant indeed...well described! Loved that photo too.
ReplyDeleteSounds, sights, all the imagery of the coming storm ~ I specially like this part:
ReplyDeleteWhat is this insurgent and vapid display;
this building percussion, crescendo of sound—
conducted in part by some crazed cannoneer,
a maestro or madman—we’ve yet to decide.
An oncoming storm - a metaphor in itself.. I so like the rhythm in this piece.. The musical terms.. Like an orchestra playing.
ReplyDeletethat made me def. think of some of the political things that go on in the world at the moment - and i hope we somehow manage to stop that storm
ReplyDeletethe words are the metaphor - a storm of words.
ReplyDeleteYour write sings along and with the theme of the picture it just brought your rhymes to life and the addition storm metaphor so woven with war. So well written here loved it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this poem aloud. Really a melodic write. Once a storm is on the horizon, it seems to just continue rolling in.
ReplyDeleteNice rhythm and metaphor in this biece Ginny. Very descriptive as well.
ReplyDeletethe stormy around us, eventually lead us to take shelter in a safer place - this was very vivid.
ReplyDeleteThe storm of war - well described - great alliteration and onomatopoeia throughout. You gave us the feel as well of the sound and even more the emotion that charged those waiting for the inevitable. Well done.
ReplyDelete