There
were many thunder storms during the early Summer last year, in the Gold
Coast
hinterland mountains where I live.
The
storms come mostly in the evening, when the huge thick clouds suddenly
boil
over the tops of the Springbrook range.
Sometimes
these clouds spread out across the evening sky, as they drive towards
us, and
take on the form of rapidly spreading fingers or even figures. They can
look like straining faces with mouths
wide open.
Perhaps
they are trying to catch the lightning that is constantly flashing out
behind
their thick expanses.
As
they quickly grow across the sky, the front of the oncoming storm comes
roaring
with them, bringing fierce winds and lightning.
Then
the clouds start crying out with thunder voices, telling the valley,
and the
thirsty trees all about the welcome rainwater to come. And across the
dry
earth, the bush awaits this blessing.
Oil on canvas.
Copyright (c) Helen Duley 2004