The scattered leaves

shook with life

and flung the air

with swirls of dust;

swept the trees

and swayed their heads,

brushed the skies

with thick grey clouds;

layer on layer

menacing black,

moving in waves

and waves to attack;

an army rushing,

horde upon horde,

whirling and swirling

the dust on the road;

leaping and tearing,

snapping dry branches,

banging the windows

and doors;

with a lull...

the wind

holds

its breath

for the storm.