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Epiphany

1/26/2021

2 Comments

 
Locked wheels scraped on gravel shoulder 
          and skidded to a sudden stop.
Clouds of dust billowed all around,
          and a hard rebound of door on leg
          tore flapping trousers--
no protection for a tender shin.
The man’s wife followed as best she could,
her skirt a concave sail,
her arms an awkward cradle
that almost dropped the babe within.  
 
Golden fields of wheat rose and fell in the wind
          and sometimes flattened before a sudden gale.
A broom of rain swept ever nearer,
          and lightning danced to thunderous applause.
A thin black funnel hung in distant view
          and puffed from whirlwind tip
          a cloud of dust and dark debris.
 
Man and wife stood transfixed,
          awed by the tempest’s power.
The child squirmed and kicked,
          but somehow slept in weathered arms.
Squashed flat to earth like a punctured ball,
          the sun spread laggard rays beneath the storm.
In this last light the infant’s hair flamed radiant white,
          angelic halo in the gathering night.
 
—Richard Russell

Man and wife = The Founders
Tornado = Donald Trump
Child = Joe Biden 
(other, more spiritual interpretations are possible)
2 Comments
Bob Elmendorf
1/28/2021 08:16:41 pm

Richard,
You have a gift for language. crisp descriptive images and great sound patterns enhance the message behind this poem,
Bob

Reply
Richard Russell
1/28/2021 08:29:01 pm

Thanks for the kind words, Bob. In my 74 years I've only written a handful of poems, but I appreciate the compliment from someone who mines the poetic vein much more than I have. :)

Reply



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    ​This blog was set up to post content of interest to Old Chatham Quaker members and attenders. Posts related to one's own personal spiritual journey, reports based on interviews with others, and reflections on Quaker-related topics are welcome. Posts by individuals are personal expressions and do not necessarily reflect those of the Meeting as a whole.
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  • Home
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    • The Role of Ministry and Counsel
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