Author’s note: This poem is about inner turmoil and the chaos that can ensue in the “eye of the storm.” It’s also about the choices we make and how the authenticity of those choices reflect back in the reality of the life we create for ourselves.

In the eye of the storm

The lighthouse warns
Slashing light and causing shiver
Burning bright and piercing night
The storm creates a river

Whipping and wailing
Weeping and flailing
Lighthouse flashing
River crashing

Breathe deep this quiver
Steel for the shiver
The river on edge carving a slither
And into the night a lone bird in flight
Cries hollow and swoops for its dinner

Echo on wind
The bells toll and sing
Angels in choir
Drum beating higher

Bring forth this shiver
And flow with the river
Vines in its path tangle and wither
Those that let go flourish and grow
And the storm is at one with the mirror.

Author: Annie McDonnell

Image: martinak15 at Flickr 

Editors: Renée Picard; Yoli Ramazzina