Springtime Storm

Last night, after dark, a faint flash

outside. The low and distant rumble

of thunder grew closer, louder. And

as the wind began to howl and bend

the trees, torrents of rain were driven

sideways against the windows. Then

a sudden bright flash, and immediate

boom shook the room. Another and

another as sirens sounded a warning,

seek shelter immediately. My small

dog hopped into my lap shaking

frightfully as the springtime storm

raged outside. I gently stroked her

back and rubbed behind her ear

reassuringly. I have been through

many of these in my past seventy

some years. Nothing to fear, little

one, I’m still here. And besides, I’ve

got a fifty-one year old son and a

daughter of forty-eight who have
likewise survived. 

Chris Hanch 5-3-18