These Are My JOTtings...

Personification: "The Elm"

Twirling 'round with arms a-flight
the greenish blur aloft!
With "Whoooo" and "Wheee" leaves song sings bright
staccato in its cough.

Such screaming winds in deaf'ning rants
tear weak, worn, timid limbs!
Its frightened cries of "No! I can't!"s,
unheard 'mid splint'ring shims.

What raucous battle titans wage.
The minutes bleed to hours:
Great willowed elm in tethered cage,
Mean wind with blowing scours.

In fluid waves the air still slams!
Unmerciful its wrath!
Great roots the elm in earth it jams!
Relentless in its path!

Undaunted hope Elm shines its strength.
Broad smile of greenest teeth.
Its stalwart banner flows at length
as Irma slinks in grief.

by Jay O'Toole
on September 20th, 2017