Caught in the Fury

A late summer evening working out in the fields, so much to do
Focused on what was in front, what was below, not looking behind or above

Green-gray clouds sneak in silently from the west, diabolical
My first hint of danger, a sharp pressure change, causes throbbing

Winds lift, then blow, scattering mowed grass everywhere
Cold air, twenty degree drop, chills my sweaty body

Large droplets of rain pelt one by one, then torrent downpour
Dirt and sweat fill my eyes, frightening blindness, panic

No time to make it back to the house, the shed my only hope
I seek refuge running across the pasture, head low, trying not to be tall

Spidery lightning strikes on the ridge line, almost instant thunder
Artillery barrage surrounds me, deafening clashes, God's at war

I feel the static, or so I think, tingling on the back of my neck
Dreading the discharge, hoping not to be an unlucky "one in a million"

Finally, I reach my sanctuary, catch my breath just inside the door
Deep gasps, heart pounding, feeling small and so all alone

Steady drumming of rain on the tin roof, waterfalls spray from the gutters
White brilliance fills my sight, crooked bolt strikes a nearby tree

Falling to my knees, scrambling further into the dark shed
Suddenly I am a six year old boy again, fearing the darkness

Then, the miracle happens, total dead quiet erupts
Only my breathing and heartbeat shatter the silence

Getting up, I look out again, the sky is clear, the sun reappears
Rare double rainbow on the horizon, God has made His point