Storm on the Island

Question 1

We are prepared: we build our houses squat,

Answer 1

Sink walls in rock and roof them with good slate.

Question 2

The wizened earth had never troubled us

With hay,

Answer 2

so as you can see, there are no stacks

Or stooks that can be lost.

Question 3

You might think that the sea is company,

Answer 3

Exploding comfortably down on the cliffs

Question 4

But no: when it begins, the flung spray hits

Answer 4

The very windows, spits like a tame cat

turned savage

Question 5

Space is a salvo.

We are bombarded by the empty air.

Answer 5

Strange, it is a huge nothing that we fear.