storm
storm
Harsh bark of thunder
rolls over the house
then deluge, then hail
Our dog vibrating
by the side of the bed
a bright flash exposes
trees calligraphic
against night sky
Hail collects white cold
I sit on the floor
invite her back
to bed, but she’s
not having it
The storm moves off
as I coax, cajole
Finally she flops,
curls, moans
as its strength ebbs,
both of us lulled
by the steady fall of rain