This photo is one I took of Birch Bay, up near the Canadian border in Washington state. Yes, the sky did look like that, no color filters applied.
I haven’t shared a poem here for a while. It’s Valentine’s Day so I am feeling happy. I want to share my latest poem in progress for feedback. Please. I am serious. Comments or suggestions are welcome, either in the comments section or direct message. I am still trying to improve my craft.
Catching the Wind
Ann Gauger Feb 14, 2026
From my window, I watch the clouds pass--
Pewter and gold, strands braid in the wind .
Lowering sun breaks through at last--
Clouds that dance can kindle within.
Threatening thunderheads glower and jostle,
Breed fierce winds out of heat and air.
Ardent emotions crackle and thunder,
Strip all in their deadly path bare.
When my day is ripped by wind, and events
Crowd me, I cling to my plans, my own ways,
The wind shreds my plans to nothing, prevents
Doing anything as it blows up my day.
I feel a powerful urge to spill all the burn,
The outrage, the tight chest, the part
That desires to strike out. I haven’t yet learned
That feelings like this come from the dark.
So I bluster, then thunder. My anger releases
Howling dogs in response. I must remember
That dogs don’t like thunder. I must now seek peace.
I let the winds blow, sun returns, bringing embers
Of hope. Kind kindled words relieve pressure,
Frustration, desire to control. The Spirit’s wind
Moves with power to sweep out fear, opens treasure,
Transmutes anger to trust that lets the light in.
Hold lightly then to your plans, for winds do blow.
Clouds that dance lightly can catch the winds flow.
