Page 50 - 1956

Peace lay o'er the hillside, As many days before,
But what ot this drab sky, These mutt'rings in its core, These moans as ot poor souls Chained to a mouldy floor?
Peace could not prevail for long
It this message would itself fulfil. The threatening sky of tumbling clouds Could break the silence with a song
Ot wild and roaring glee,
With lightning swift to see-
As emphasis to the scorel
Flashes or light- then a crashl
Like the gladiators ot old,
Who used to fight with spear and shield For prizes - treasures or bright gold.
The pelting rain succeeds these trumpeters, Lashed water into breakers forms,
The keening wind sweeps in - so cold
And in its embrace the trees kneel,
The rocks shift--whole houses are torn away-- They all bow to the imperious storm.
The battle rages through the night; And in the morning the sun's rays Light a weary, water-filled world. They seem to change each shining drop Into a jewel of delight,
As though the mighty gods of storm repent, And place a rainbow in the sky-
Heaven sentJ
HELEN ELLIOT XA
WINTER SPLENDOUR
The snow flakes journey down,
Dancing and fluttering around; Forming a glorious mountain crown Landing like fairies without a sound.
Trees' arms cradled the ermine snow Standing like stiff soldiers row by row, With woolly clouds hanging low Resembling the blanket of snow.
To the sportsman it was heaven;
To the road commissioner a care;
For the sleek weasel a secure haven; To the caref~l driver a tricky snare.
The whispering wind tosses fluffy heaps, The setting sun casts a royal cloak,
The lengthening shadows onward creep, While out from hiding come woodland fold.
Scolqing jays and white-breasted birds Converse in quiet, proper tones;
While timid deer travel in herds
And bears sleep soundly in their winter homes.
And now the day is over;
The flaming sun has sunk away
And night provides a dark cover,
While twinkling stars come out to stay.
MARINA RICH XA
48
STORM GODS