THE HILL IN THE THUNDER

OF MY HEART

Michael Peterson

1995

My heart speaks to the wind, but it does not answer.
I was lost that night, seeking answers,
asking you and the wind to speak to me,
about my life in clear terms.
Overhead the thunder rolled across the prairie
rustling in billowing clouds
spiked by brilliant and noiseless explosions of light
followed by the rolling roar of thunder.
I asked you that night and you came to me saying,
"Go! I will send you forth! Go and care!"
My heart was overwhelmed with joy and fear.
I lifted my arms to the sky, standing on the hill,
the stars and lightning overhead,
my hair windblown from the approaching cool of the storm.
I cried and fell to my knees with laughter
and an overwhelming sense of peace in challenge.
I said "Yes!"

This poem describes an event that occurred around 1968 in Portales, New Mexico on a small hill overlooking this small university town.

 

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