Merci

In lightning and thunder I swam the mountain storm, Hurtling the lilac rim That cupped in my childhood, Lost, safe in tender mists -- And sudden! the sun blazed Dazzling clarity, And I saw long forgot The way I used to see -- Details etched like diamonds Of startling static grace -- A buttercup alone, Fragile as joy untouched. In that glimpse I was home, Like a stranger returned.