So Long, Farewell
We want water and light,
but harmony, too—
not a storm, rain, with petrichor
and glimmering diamond drops after
the sun rises berry-bright and robins and sparrow
breath a rainbow of song, but
if—when–a storm comes
like a drunken lout knocking down
everything before him,
then what? This is the murmur
I hear from the river and in the wind,
in squirrel chatter and blue jay squawks—
listen,
to the deep roots and the bees hovering
on that sweet wild path
to nowhere,
asking to sleep in frost and wake in spring–
the cycles that we almost recall.
I seldom write climate change poems, but one doesn’t argue with the Oracle. She’s certainly aware of all the wild fires, and the recent storms in Kentucky and St. Louis.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Wonderful writing Merril. Climate change is urgent.
Thank you so much, Rene!
My pleasure Merril!
I had to write two poems to get what you got in one. We both had the storm, the rain and the murmuring river, and your poem ends where mine begins. So similar, yet I only used a few of the Oracle’s words.
Thank you!
It’s funny how that works, 🙂
We end up in the same place usually.
We do. 🙂
Oh, goodness, where do I begin with this poem. “breath a rainbow of song” or storm as a “drunken lout”? Love the imagery, both beautiful and provocative. Climate change was real decades ago but the world fiddled then and continues to fiddle.
Such a wonderful comment. Thank you, Marie. Yes, you are so right about the “fiddling.” 😞
Marvellous imagery and focus on the natural world of animals, birds, and bees. (The house Dillon and Flo have to sell is in Kentucky, but safely on a hill)
Thank you very much, Derrick!
Oh, I’m glad their house is safe. I hope they’re able to sell it without too many problems.
If ever there were a time to write them, it would be now…I love the gentle firmness of your narrative voice here Merril!
Thank you so much, Ingrid! That’s a lovely comment!
In its subtlety, this is a very effective climate change poem. Nature has a way of telling us what we need to know.
Thank you so much, Liz. I appreciate that!
You’re welcome, Merril!
Love that you have included the animals, and insects.
It makes my stomach churn when I think about them all suffering and burning.
Suffering and drowning.
Yes, I know humans suffer too, but we started it! The animals are innocent victims of our greed.
You’re a great writer!
Thank you so much, Resa.
I’m pleased this resonated with you. 💙
💙💙
This is absolutely brilliant, Merril.
Thank you so much, Dale!
My pleasure 🙂
Storm as “drunken lout” is quite fitting. The devastation is a far cry from harmony in nature.
Thank you, Ken. Yes, exactly–especially when things get tossed and knocked over.