Kin to lightning

Drummer in the clouds

you awaken me.

In childhood, you put a spear
of bright fire through my body.
I did not die,
I did not even cry out.

When I was in the dark water
you leaned over me
and told me to get out.

When you came to my farm
and moved over the barn roof
as a serpent of red fire
you were kindly
choosing to ground yourself
in the one unlikely place
that left us safe, but awake.

On a night among strange days
you fired your bolts into the corn
like a long-range gunner
homing in on a target
until you accepted the embrace
of the white oak that knew you well.

Soul of Thunder, Bright Awakener ,
may I ride with you
on your return journeys
to your kingdom above the clouds

From the collection Here, Everything is Dreaming: Poems and Stories by Robert Moss. Published by Excelsior Editions.

Art: J.M.W. Turner, "Lake Thun, Switzerland'