Dangerous Passage....

Dangerous Passage

The pearly dew on Autumn grapes

bursts brightly in the morning sunlight

clustered fruit in silence scream to escape

the woodsy vines and become Summers pride 

Existing in obvious luscious form

but entwined in their verdant prison

they are cooled by the breath of the approaching storm

and seem incomplete during this season

The ripe fruits await human touch

lingering in the feeble light of Fall

They seek to be gathered before turning to dust

In spite of some hidden faults

 Gently picked, they will share purgatory together

and wait expectantly for crushing salvation

as the pains of summer no longer matter

when tomorrow brings transformation

Nightmarish darkness will lead to better times

dark moments strip back color and shape

and reveal new splendor in spirits of wine

that embodies fermented juices of the humble grape

   

BARN SWALLOWS.....

Barn Swallows

 

'Tis not the Scarlet Tanager

sporting a thick gray bill

and a greenish-yellow coat in winter

while fluttering in frozen forest still

 

Nor, the sociable Cedar Waxwing

that stimulates my mind and heart

during a delightful summer morning

steeped in moments that swiftly march

 

Not even the Black-Crested Titmouse

with pale forehead, feasting on fruit seeds

quite abundant around my house

can compete with beautiful swallows above the trees

 

Long-winged barn swallows fill my sight

with their deeply-forked tails

and embody mastery in their chaotic flight

flashing blue-black colors while they sail

with grace on the evening gales

they present a challenge to my vision

 displaying their bottoms, buffy white pale

while they perform aerial exhibitions

 

Their flight excites my spirit

during those fading evenings

their countless numbers slash the air to bits

elegantly dodging, feeding on wing

effortlessly climbing and diving

while feasting on natures bounty

'Tis a pleasure to watch their show, so entertaining

'Tis natures gift that's totally free and soothing