Autumn Poem by nigel colledge

The blasted gale burns through the forest Tearing and shredding brown leaves asunder All creatures seek shelter from the slashing rain Black clouds heave and jostle to shut out the light Roofing sheets rough torn from lumber buildings Fly through the air to rip and tear where they land

In coastal towns mankind hides and prays to God Save us, save us please Lord and all we hold dear Centuries of mans' creation so easily demolished As mighty seas invade the streets and buildings Families huddle around dying embers in the hearth Only a fool would venture out to replenish the fuel

Summer gave scorched fields and dying pastures Reservoirs with barely a drop of water to drink Politicians know we are destroying all that is good Scandal and ineptitude blight our government Only the church bells when the storm abates Is the promise of greater light and love to be found.

Autumn 2022