I should report that which I say I saw

I should report that which I say I saw,
that which I saw said, that which is devised
and represented in the houses. I gaze
at the receding light, at the horizon

that divides earth and heaven. I say I saw
the purple clouds pronounce themselves, the paint
of angels and of devils, the awful warfare
of thunderous weather. I should report I heard

the whistling of the trees, the awesome noise
of a marvelous storm, the confusion of language
before the power went out. In the warm night

she seemed to shorten my measure, the southern
sky was very clear. I read aloud the books
to her and said what I have never seen.