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gilead
Senior Member

since 2008-03-10

Posts 1067
nevada, USA

0 posted 2008-04-30 04:06 PM

I watched with a seasoned eye for bad weather,
as the brilliant towers of cumulus
shot up over the mountains to the west,
where most of the rain drifts in
every now and then, to visit the parched
desert meadows of cactus and rock.

All hell’s going to break loose, I thought,
as I eyed the clouds and the road.
Yep, I think it’s finally going to come, a storm,
a much needed storm---I’ve been kind of lonely
without thunder and lightening, and streets
awash with mud and gravel, and the trash
of extravagance and indifference . . .

The storm came! Lightening, crackling
like a thousand whips being snapped
by the children of the gods! Thunder,
like a thousand lions let loose to preen and prowl!

Then all was quiet except for a gurgling here
and there, where the storm drains sipped the remnant
of the clouds that came and quickly vanished.

It’s not the storm, though, but what remains
after the storm has passed.

gilead
Senior Member

since 2008-03-10

Posts 1067
nevada, USA

1 posted 2008-04-30 04:19 PM

I have deep admiration for poet, Elizabeth Bishop, who rose high above the tragedies that came upon her early in life. I want to apply a page from the book of her life for my own.

Art

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-25

Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2 posted 2008-04-30 06:16 PM

Art,

This is well done, and is interesting. The lions prowling around are an excellent touch.

I don't quite understand the last strophe. Does the storm leave something to be cleaned-up?

Things here in Penn's green country village tend to stay in place after a storm, unless there is a once in a century flood.

Bobby

Larrysmom
Senior Member

since 2008-04-03

Posts 533
Florida, USA

3 posted 2008-04-30 08:30 PM

This feels to me to be a storm of the heart… With much left over to sort. Beautiful Gilead.

Tammy<333

AAB
Member

since 2008-04-10

Posts 99
Canada

4 posted 2008-04-30 08:50 PM

I think you captured what a storm is wonderfully, as well as the beuaty that is after one. Well done!

"Death cannot stop true love, all it can do is delay it for a while" The Princess Bride

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

5 posted 2008-05-01 12:10 PM

Art,

I am looking for your poems now. Wonderful poem - beautiful in a very classic style.

A

gilead
Senior Member

since 2008-03-10

Posts 1067
nevada, USA

6 posted 2008-05-01 09:54 AM

Thanks, all, for your kind and encouraging comments!

The last strophe, Bobby, is an attempt to say that after the storm has passed in life, we come face to face with what we are---how we endured, and what is left---a higher resolve, or defeat and despair.

Also, Bobby, you've made think that maybe some of the details may detract from the thrust of the poem's meaning. I'll take a closer look.

Thanks again,

Art

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

7 posted 2008-05-01 09:58 AM

I think you've challenged yourself wisely,
Arthur.

With this poem, you're well on your way
to a personal, and most likely very
fulfilling conquest!

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