Setting the Stage
By Richard Hartwell

 

The sky cracked open today in an early
Dawn heavy with the smell of moisture;
Murky dew turned to light drizzle as a
Rising sun backlit ashen-gray clouds.

 

Then, parting in a long diagonal rip, the
Lowering shroud exposed orange-edges
Framing a sapphire backdrop much as a
Theatrical curtain drawn apart presents
Stage scenery of a premiering symphony.

 

Booming timpani of thunder subsides,
Wind chimes echo the departing rain,
Birdsong, like piccolos, fills the ear;
Shuffling patrons scuttle into places.
Refreshed, the new day premieres

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Rick Hartwell from US is a retired middle school teacher (remember the hormonally-challenged?) about to move to Illinois with his wife of forty-nine years, Sally Ann (upon whom he is emotionally, physically, and spiritually dependent), one grown daughter, and fifteen cats! Like Blake, Thoreau and Merton, he believes that the instant contains eternity.