the distant hills
harbor the uncanny, rolls
of thunder collapsing -
with impact upon the rain laden forest

a vermilion leaf
among millions mauled
by the relentless wind
hanging on by a slim thread

torrents of bitter tears
falls upon the dusty, cracked earth
corroding, erasing the vestiges
of a past greenery

hollow scorched trunks
stand as defeated soldiers
among the toasted scene,
wringing their branches in despair

tugged and torn
patches of naked grass
drooped their heads low
like a soaked flag hugging its pole

glimmering dewdrops
arrested the sun, lying low
cuffing an ruby orb
released to the atmosphere