Nightfall is approaching 
and in the distance I can
hear the thunder pounding
in a rage, lightning 
flashing high in the 
velvet skies.

The storm is moving closer,
soft breezes fill the air
then suddenly, coolness, 
the winds moving faster,
the smell of rain, fresh, 
clean;

I breathe in the beauty 
of it all.
Then the sweet rain falls,
softly at first,
then faster it thrashes 
against the earth,
trees swaying in the gusty winds
their leaves dancing and spinning
to the music of the storm.
So beautiful the wonders
of nature all around us.

(c) Marie Calhoun 2002