Stretched Skin of Summer

Stretched skin of summer

humidity threatening to erupt

chill winds upon my shoulder.

I smell fear of impending storm.

I batten down by the fire

in my cozy cottage by the sea

hearken as the storm marches in

wearing blackened suit of bluster.

streaks of lightning shimmy

echoes repeating distant screams.

Devil’s pitchfork, heated fury

spewing out Hell’s savage winds.

Whipping souls unfurling

waiting to hitch a windy ride.

Hail stones hammer drums

trees shed their clothing

raindrops pound on water

as I absorb the spewing,

brewing , screaming swagger

peering into the eye of the storm.

At last, silence floats among

the splinters as I witness

the tempest perish

one last banshee howl

as I laugh at the futility

of it all, safe in my shelter

warm in the embrace

of my toasty fire.