An Ill Wind
©July 29th, 2016
By Vijaya Sundaram
I am the bringer of coolness.
But I can fan the flames too.I fell trees and buildings,
And whip the sea into froth.
I blow people hither and yon,
And the windmills turn.
Wildly the weathercock turns
And the earth turns, as I blow.
And I whisper and rage, and blow
And sigh, and sing, and know
That my songs are heard by those
Who care to listen, and heed me well.
Heed me well, for my ill wind
Will blow everything away.
Heed me, for I am sick, and
Contagion flies along my back.
For lies and hate will twist their eyes,
And rage and lust for power swell,
And kindness is ground underfoot
When the people race to first place.
Trap me, use me, feed me goodness.
Turn my illness round, make it stop.
I’ll bring in breath so sweet,
My songs will scent your days.
Bring filters and sails to catch me.
Clean my soot and my shame.
My ill wind is sickening this world,
So restore me to health again.
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