thunder hastens us
with deep-bellied reproach,
through the onslaught of a charcoal sky

into our necessary subservience
and the nearest open doors

into a safe harbor,
sanctuary of sheet plastic and gravel
dense with the burden of moisture
and transient things

and in this artificial world,
a world within a world,
there is a cunning beauty

conglomerate colors,
ruffling mountains of coral and milky white
draping chandeliers of petunias,
lining the aisles like regal fixtures
gossamer petals waver in invitation

and we are beckoned,
drawn with quiet gratitude
to revel in the refuge
that is nature.