Sunburst Battle

Ignore that monstrous, ragged cloud -
a hairy fist shading the brightness;
waging war on the dropping December sun;

absorb the lion's roar, the shaking, swirling flare
behind grizzled, blocking cloud,
eager to escape the clutching cumulus -

succeeding. Light cascades out,
buffeting the surrounding clouds; rays sprawl,
painting fire across the canvas of sky.

Seven tall trees like bottle brushes witness
that sun-light has dared to accomplish
the glorious task it is given to do,
and darkness has not overpowered it.

October 2009