I place a pillow over my head
To drown the gunshot-thunder out.
The lightning-flash fills me with dread.
I place a pillow over my head
And feel the house shake in my bed.
I shall not sleep, I have no doubt.
I place a pillow over my head
To drown the gunshot-thunder out.
With sunlight for the earth to drink,
The glossy grasses glow with green.
The perky flowers flush with pink,
As bright a sight I’ve ever seen.
A world made new, a world washed clean.
The insects tap-dance on my face
And hum the hymns the songbirds croon.
Their music soaks up every space
And keeps time with the froggies’ tune.
I bet their encore lasts till noon.
The air’s as hot and thick as sin,
Bewitching like a paramour.
It traces droplets on my skin
And charms my nose with petrichor.
This morning has good things in store.
The rains rolled through a while ago,
And now there’s no clouds I can see.
The sun smiles down on us below
Like this day was its gift to me.
It’s true: life’s greatest gifts are free.