Poet's Platform Column | 26 July 07 by Janet Nesler | The Scioto Voice | Wheelersburg, Ohio

A Quick Summer Storm Dark clouds rolling in an ominous sky Streaks of lightning dance and sway Wind is starting to blow the treetops Looks like a storm is headed our way With the rain leaden skies beckoning Thunder can be heard from miles away Rumbling with a muffled roar I hear it A thunderstorm can't be too far away With the rain falling upon the rooftop Gutters and downspouts now run free A large limb has come crashing down As lightning has hit an old Maple tree Our lights flicker and then they go out Leaving us in the dark as is the norm Another four hours without electricity Caused by this quick Summer storm Acie Workman Eden Park   After the Rain After the rain on a summer day, nature breathes a sweet refrain. A daisy lifts its weary head, refreshed by the life-giving rain. A mist hangs over the valley where the wheat field is ripe with grain. The meadowlark sings its song of joy... on a summer day—after the rain. The meadow sparkles with raindrop gems where butterflies come to dance and play. The air is awash with fragrant perfume— after the rain on a summer day. A rainbow arcs across the sky on a summer day—after the rain. To witness this miracle of God’s creation, my heart is attuned to nature’s refrain. Charles Clevenger New Boston, Ohio   Renovating Rain Sparkling rain like rags and brushes, Wiping clean, rooftops and bushes. Sweeping hands across the grass, Showering flowers as they pass. Pelting raindrops from afar, At any time, any hour, When they will to go back home, down earth’s bosom, they will roam. Till at last they congregate, On prearranged meeting date. Join the river where they run, Slowing down to meet the sun, Who draws them in his arms again. The cleansing process repeats, when, Dirty worlds we all have made, Opposes plans our God has laid. He keeps on trying but you see, He wants help from you and me. Rosemary Kalb Portsmouth