Clouds

Felt looming like darkness over the land,
stung from days by our past, we slowly swell,
rolling thunder heard louder than a knell
that struck chimes of an hourglass void of sand.
Passing through on the ground flashes the brand,
leaping out of where long, thick manes could dwell:
frail shepherds lie foaming, no might to yell
and thus warn the kine of a raging band.
Yet how sudden does burst through fog the day:
tall hills, soft streams, and vales showered with light,
when brief was blot heaven and its gold skies.
The suns' silent fury has swept away
black murk that can snatch the reins from your sight;
stretched before his glaring darts fading dies.