Wings

On wings so broad

            To cross the sky.

With breath too hot

            They kiss goodbye.

The ground fades

            To atomic size.

A cloud grows up,

            Sniffs and cries;

Lashes out with fire,

            Echoed by thunder.

Flash - Boom, Boom, Boom!

            Wings shift, shudder.

Ears, innards quake and burn,

            Wings jolt, quivering.

Body tires, heart fears,

            Spine tingling, skin shivering.

Wings grow wet with rain,

            Which hitting and stinging,

Draws them down to land

            Quickly.  “Closer,” the land is singing

“Protection,” it promises.

            “Protection from the storm.”

The wings fear to land, knowing the weather,

            If passed through, will reveal a true form.

But the land calls louder, promising safety.

            The wings dip lower, falling

Towards the ground.  The wings struggle

            Against the land’s calling.

By Karen Robertson

1/26/12