Weather Forecast

The daily news today was dark,

like the darkness of a storm approaching,

ominous and threatening, as unstoppable

as it is unpredictable. So we run for cover,

ducking into an open entry way or a shop,

into our homes and pull tight the doors

and windows against the weather,

even as the storms lash around us,

the rumbling of thunder and the lightning

flashing, striking out, as we huddle together,

feeling secure, wrapped in ourselves and dry,

though fearful, powerless to do anything but hide.

It is as we’ve been taught, this fear,

to run inside and shield ourselves,

wait for it to pass – as it will –

convinced we are secure and safe;

for inside, it cannot hurt us.