The Weather King

Groundhog Day - a tribute to Punxsutawney Phil

The Weather King


The darkness fades to lighter shades
arousing me from sleep.
I close my eyes but, no surprise,
there’s no peace in my keep.

I stretch and yawn; I greet the dawn
and prepare for the day.
I check the date and say “Oh, great …
I have to earn my pay!”

I brush my hair with greatest care
for I must look my best.
I wipe some dirt off of my shirt
which really’s just my chest.

I’d be remiss, in times like this,
if I didn’t try.
Of course I know I live below.
My place is quite a sty.

I am prepared, no longer scared,
as I begin the climb.
My worries stem, I won’t fail them
for that would be a crime.

With pep and vim, I grab the rim
as the sky pales to ash.
I sneak a peek – and then yell “Eeek!”
as the world starts to flash.

The camera crews from local news
and across the nation
are waiting there but I don’t care
as I take up my station.

I squint my eyes in the sunrise
and seek my silhouette
but camera lights make the scene bright
and I begin to fret.

How can I tell, ‘less they dispel
and stop their interfering,
what everyone seeks in the coming weeks
as winter moves toward spring?

I hear a “Shush!” and in the hush,
they finally dim the light.
I look around and on the ground
I see it will be all right.

I stare and stare – no shadow there
foretells an early spring.
With my job done, I turn and run.
I am the weather king!

Notes
“Only the shadow knows …”
Yep - that's what Phil said. I wonder if he's heard of "global warming?"

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise - are all equally welcome.