Living, Breathing Storm

an angry wind tearing through the branches , swirling leaves in dizzying circles
dust laden air choking, suffocating, coating the window panes
storm clouds gathering, obliterating the sun, fighting for a place in the darkening sky

creatures scurrying, birds fleeing, my feet carry me
shutters banging, the house creaking, the door slams behind me
lightning sparks, the lamp flickers, darkness descends like a shroud

a draft creeps in under the door, the wind sneaks down the chimney
sparks smolder on the hearth where they land, then, like the lights, they go out
sitting in the dark, feeling alone, but am I?

the air is heavy, the blackness tangible, a presence in the room
I sit on my hands to still their shaking, listen to the old clock chime
if I believed in feeling fear, surely this would be the time