The Tempest

The Tempest (19/01/2017)

I dreamed a storm was conjured from the night,

That angry demons stirred the restless deep,

That high waves crashed in endless sound and light,

That men fought for their lives while I did sleep.

I dreamed a tempest raged through sea and skies,

That storm-clouds hid the faces of the stars,

That evil spirits woke me with their cries,

That furied winds did grip and strain ships’ spars.

I dreamed a wayward bark had run aground,

That I traversed the dark and littered sands,

That shipwrecked men had our lone island found,

That Father raised a staff in aging hands…

I dreamed a storm had come to end my youth:

I witnessed dawn illuminate the truth.

Jennifer Pickup