The Provocation of a Cloud

Someone provoked the cloud, perhaps
Or popped the cork of heaven’s flask
Releasing to each dark outline
A scarf of silver crystalline
Clothing the stark and begging limb
With diamonds for its diadem

Someone took pity on the day
A mirthless canvas, cold and gray
And dropped from palettes in the sky
A haunting robe to lure the eye
Beyond earth’s labored barrenness
To heavens pure, peaceful caress

Someone with a translucent brush
Has stilled the moan of winds that rush
Through midnights cold and empty dell
To fill its gaping, hollow shell
With whispers of an angels wing
A soft and downy covering

Janet~