Calm of early evening
swept away by rising winds
that shred the leaves
from branches overhead.

Grey on grey, the clouds build,
tortured skies that roil and churn.
Muttered thunder marks
the play of light within.

Molten flash of fire
rips through the belly of the sky,
joining heaven to earth
in Nature's harsh embrace.

And from this wound
of hot searing kiss
comes the rain.

Hunger

Some hungers go much more than belly deep.
In needful corners of the soul they dwell.
Intrude themselves on night with restless      dreams,
And wind through hours of conscious thought as well.

Flames fed and fanned by just the barest      glance,
Remembered touch of fingertips on skin,
A taste of salty sweat on upper lip,
Or musky scent where lovers once had been.

Poetry Magazine