“A Storm in Paradise,” New Era, Aug. 1998, 51
A Storm in Paradise
Persevering, each ray
fights its way from the sun
to bake the dry earth
and boil the warm sea.
Fierce gusts of wind,
devoid of caution,
whip around trees
and under the eaves of the house.
A home, a place of shelter,
a place of worship,
a place filled with respect and love.
Safely inside we watch,
spectators of a miracle.
Waves rise and fall,
washing rocks smooth
and gaining momentum
as dusk comes upon us.
Slowly gray-black clouds roll
to hide the darkening
royal blue sky.
For a moment there is silence;
It seems as if all is asleep,
But a resounding BOOM,
and a fading rumble
precede a flash so bright,
a light of magnificent voltage.
And our Lord controls it all,
So be thankful for storms …
even in paradise.