NOAH

To see the rainbow form
He has to face
The passing storm,
The sun behind.

Wind has heaved its mighty waves.
Oceans sweep their lives away.
Oaks are broken. Houses fallen.
Chaos drowns the Earth.

Nights belong to sodden dreams.
Days are sick with creaking beams.
And when, O Lord?
And then, O Lord!

Lightning falters. Ravens soar.
Thunder yields to doves.
He climbs on deck to wonder at
The Promise that remains.

He knows.

Without the rain there is no arc.
Sun alone does not suffice
To paint the sky
Or color what is dark.


—Eric Nelson