Summer Storm
A storm struck my neighborhood last night
Stripping leaves off the trees,
Ripping tiles off of rooftops,
Blowing roofs off of houses.
The trees are still standing, wounded,
But stripped naked and bare.
This morning I stood in the street
Stunned and speechless, staring at the trees
Not seeing a single leaf anywhere.
They were all gone, never to give shade again.
I stood in the morning sun
And prayed that the trees would survive.
Every day I prayed.
I prayed for weeks.
I would not give up hope.
Hope kept me strong
Until finally the trees sprouted
Soft green buds again.
Today I looked into the face of the sun,
Gave thanks,
And smiled in anticipation
Of another shady day.
Roy W. Backes
© 2007
Roy W. Backes - Poetry 