in this sodden night
lightning and thunder
are so right but the
dripping trees agree
sudden destruction
is painful to watch

rain sustains all
nonetheless a
searing pain
must pass randomly
through some
one or other
or so it seems

gutters gurgle
towering clouds
are brilliantly
showcased from within
electric badminton
dances to blue jazz
between them

occasionally
a plasma shuttlecock
hurtles to earth
giving birth
to the thundering
ground shuddering
appropriateness
of this melancholy storm
passing through us tonight

©John Greenleaf-Maple – text and art 7/13/17