The Cloud

by Steven Federle
(Suisun City, CA, USA)

The cloud surrounds me.

Unseen, It fills my cells.

Through my fears
it whispers in that deep place
where only whispers can be heard,
where darkness
creases the grey mist
of consciousness.

It shields me
from howling despair
and stays my trembling hand
from sundering
bleak soul
from throbbing heart.

In holy silence
the cloud envelopes my fear
and with lustrous grace
strengthens my will
to persevere.