Visions

Visions
by Doug De Vries
4/20/2009

In the glowing afterdark
Under beach-washed moon
Came a vision obliquely sublime
Of things coming, running soon

Hasten to prepare the flames
Of fate's dark destiny
Prophesy, ye stars and clouds
In the starglow by the sea

"A ring we see," quoth a gull,
"Bright, blinding, burns my eyes,"
Squalled he in disarray,
"A ring that binds and ties!"

"New life we see," said sand-crab,
Scuttling sideways down the sand.
"Squealing, squirming, screaming,
Shaking tiny fisted hand!"

"Work we see," moaned the waves,
"Toil more tiring than wearing
Small stones to smaller sand!"
Salt spray came ashore, flaring

"Flames we see," hissed the snake,
"They curse all they caress,
Leaving silence and smoke and ash!"
For cold he was, and loved warmth much.

"Death we see," intoned wise whale,
Greatest of all that swim in sea.
"All things must end, and large am I,
To see the whole of life's misery!"

"Hope we see," sighed the stars,
"One life may cease, yet on
We burn, and see a new life grow."
Bright stars now dim to bring the dawn.

Have all now seen? Can you hear?
Those endless voices singing clear?
The hope we have is given free
To all who listen by the sea.