Storm Ripper

The Storm Ripper
takes you by the hand
and strips you to bare bones
and essence.

Nothing remains
except the howling wind
and waves that sweep in
from the night
scything down mounds
of sand and rock,
revealing treasures
from the deep and things
we do not know

things that cannot be gathered
in sacks and sold like dead fish
in the market place.

Blow Wild Storm!
Howl Wild Wind!
Sweep clean the path
that leads me to my soul.

Blow Wild Storm!
Howl Wild Wind!
Awaken the hearts
of those whose love was
buried at age two
by bombs and grieving women
and men who did not
come back.

Blow! Wild Storm!
Howl! Wild Wind!

Fill to fullness
those who lie asleep
in the mud of deep lakes
and those who sit
like ghosts in dusty corners
waiting for your touch -
while sacred images and
whiskey dreams and
earnest talk about all
the storms that have ever been
are shredded into nothing!

You cannot close your door
against this storm!

There are no doors!
There are no walls!
There are no houses
that will keep it out!

Only caves
and bending trees
stripped of old leaves
and those who
dance wild dances
under shining stars
can meet this wind.

One who is in this storm
is naked - the same as it!

As you howl Brother Storm
so do I.