beware it bites

no one would think that those demands are odd
that come from folk who have not felt the sea
or seen its presence drowning rock and tree
as the harsh storm beats hard upon the sod
no time for winking not for gentle nod
hardly a blink and we watch all float free
and learn that meanings do not have to be
inherent in the force of nature's rod
when we come out and look at all below
the world has changed and dozens of new lakes
are filled with residue of tempest wild
we laugh and speak of just a small breeze blow
and keep a brave face up for others' sakes
but each inside must calm the worried child