Night Storm

Shingles shutter
and wood planks groan
under night wind’s howl,
a fierce roar from unseen
sky that boils dark gray
faces, mouths opened
to consume what lies
beneath.  My dog pants
and paces while I calm
his fears with a gentle
caress.  He does not
know that much more
threatens under sun’s
bright glare where well-
meaning people lurk
with their quiet words
of unspoken menace that
my walls cannot withstand.