The road clangs with heat,
and mirages tremble ahead
and melt like dreams.

The sky is tarnished copper.
On either side poplars
cast rhythmic pointed shadows.

I stop the car in shade
and mop my neck and face
and the sweat stings my eyes.

There is a sudden murmuring
The sky darkens and the thick
air washes ominously about.

The trees begin to panic,
thrash and thrust out,
and the leaves are frantic.

I leave the car and see
a black whirling wind
above the twisting trees.

I brace myself against the car,
breathing in strong air
in fear and wonder.