The Edge of the Storm

On Monday, October 16th 2017 Hurricane Ophelia tracked north through Ireland - in England we experienced strange atmospheric conditions that caused the sun to appear red, bathing the sky in red light. 

At the edge of the storm
where the sky bleeds red
we are watchful, not scared,
our murmurs unheard
by those who, in fear and dread,
shelter in battered cottage or farm.

At the edge of the storm
we believe we are safe
the invisible, angry, loaded force 
passes by today, its destructive course
whips up heaving, frothy waves
with merciless winds unnaturally warm.

At the edge of the storm
we strive to ignore
its probable cause, our careless part,
though we know, in our true heart,
man's suicidal, destructive war
against the planet is causing us harm.

At the edge of the storm
we may be too late;
we observe the sky, but if we don't heed
the warning signs, one day we'll need
more than words to escape our fate
when the ruthless storm blows its final horn.

Tim Fellows 2017