Gale Force 10

Professional as ever,
she stands with great poise 
by the weather chart
to forecast the approach
of rain, thunderstorms,
depressions and cloudbursts,
pointing out the areas
that might be affected
by the volatile nature
of the atmosphere.

She is quite detached
in talking of conditions
that cause turbulence
but cannot describe
the turmoil in her life;
the engulfing vortex, 
the gale-force blows,
the whirlpool of violence
to which she is subjected
by her jealous partner.

Although domineering,
he proclaims his devotion
and undying love. 
She bends in the wind
to withstand the blows
and ought to leave.
Yet she remains
in the vain hope
that the stormy weather
will soon blow over.

© Luigi Pagano