Williwaw

So I totally blew the deadline on the #SwiftFicFriday prompt this week. But I did at least get something written, so that’s a win anyway. As usual we got 150-300 words and a prompt—this time the word williwaw—with which to work. Williwaw means 1) a sudden violent gust of cold land air common among mountainous coasts of high latitudes, 2) a sudden violent wind, or 3) a violent commotion. Between this word and the renewed interest in NASA/space around my house, this is what I ended up with.

Does a cold wind blow
on a distant world?
In a land so dry
with its poisoned air-
just a carbon veil.
Empty rivers flow
yet no water seen.
Massive scars abound
in that reddened land.

Does a cold wind blow
on that mountain high?
Where the clouds are formed
from that poisoned veil
as it reaches up
into those high heav’ns.
It is dwarfing all
in that ruddy world;
more so here on earth.

Does a cold wind blow
in that valley deep?
Such a massive scar
to be seen from here.
What a his’try it
could now tell us clear
of that rock strewn world.
And then just maybe
how to heal our own.

Does a cold wind blow
‘cross this vast expanse?
So devoid of light,
utter emptiness.
Only particles
ever dwelt out there
until off we flew
from our small blue world
to that planet red.