THE BEAUTY OF AN AFRICAN STORM

The shadows begin their lugubrious dance,

a reaction to the descending

fire's flickering flame.

The sated clouds,

gorged with water,

wait for Nature's thunderous symphony

to signal their release

the storm growls

like a primitive creature

about to demonstrate its power.

I stand alone

marvelling at the terrifying

beauty of God's clash of Nature

I know I'm wrong

to appoint myself an unsheltered witness

of the beauty of an African storm.

I feel like a view

of an artist at work,

an expression of unparalleled passion

without the help of Man.

It takes no heed of my unwanted presence,

This battle has existed

long before Man

and will continue to prevail long after.

I turn my back

on the grey roof,

blocking out the stars,

jealous of their eternal beauty.

I ought to feel afraid,

yet I feel firm,

for I was for a moment

part of the beauty of an African storm.

Lumiere Volunteer AW