Everyday Snippet #21 - What Makes The Dark Clouds Light

I stand with eyes fixed on the darkling sky. The sun has faded from sight, and shadowy, mysterious clouds have obscured the moon and left the sky an inky void. The only sound to be heard is the light drizzle of rain pattering on a metal roof nearby. 

All at once, I see something like a blue flame burst through the veil of darkness. It leaps across the clouds, nimble as a deer. It seems to split apart into many branches, like a rapidly sprouting tree. Soon, its many arms are stretching across the heavens.

But just as suddenly as it came, it withers away--a distant grumble the only remnant of this magnificent, glittering bolt of lightning. A minute of tranquility passes. My eyes are large; my heart is pumping. I eagerly await the coming of the next strike.

Once more, another one charges out of the nothingness. Like a shimmering arrow, it zips through the shadows. Its spindly fingers almost seem to claw the clouds. But again, its stunning light quickly fizzles out. A deafening boom follows behind it, causing me to stumble backwards a few steps. My heart pounds again--this time more out of fear than awe.

Thunder and lightning, it would seem, is the language of Earth. When it roars, it warns us to take good care of what has been given us; and when it gently rumbles through that distant, glimmering flash, its awesomeness reminds us why we should. 

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