Alchemy 2017 by Val Pedrick

Storm Doris is wielding her power today

Even here in Hampshire’s countryside

Wrenching branches from winter trees’ grasp

While we watch, safe and snug, from inside

 

But I worry what havoc she’s wreaking

Further north, with her powers full vent

Is she tearing my plastic greenhouse to shreds

Are its precious contents all battered and bent?

 

The Doris we know is a kind, gentle soul,

Who is now in her ninety-third year

I wonder, will she enjoy having the power

And the fame, now her named storm is here?

 

But having been named and stormed

Can become a double-edged sword

When with fame comes grief and lost lives

Then false pride has its bitter reward;.

 

‘Valerie’ is also on this year’s Met list

But my storm is unlikely to be named

I’m too far down, twixt Thomas and Wilbert,

The penultimate – to late to be famed

 

But, what if I had the alchemy of storm

Would I use it for good or for gain?

I would harness the wind to cool global warming

And bloom the parched deserts with rain.

(2017)