Solitary and quiet today
except for an occasional
exchange with the dog.
Waiting for the storm.
Spending some time outside
in that foreboding yellow-hot
atmosphere.
Enjoying the warmth, yet knowing,
from experience, the colors
that paint a threatening stillness.
Waiting for the storm.
The weatherman tells us
it will spawn tornadoes, lightning
and straight-line winds.
I’ve perceived the atmosphere for years.
Since I was eight and touched the thick-green air.
The silence made my heart pound out of my chest.
I looked out at the playground,
dark clouds encircled an unprotected building.
And I prayed for the storms to vanish.
Now I am inside the walls
of our unprotected home.
The lack of movement in the trees
mirrors my absence of fear.
I am waiting for a storm
and knowing it will pass.
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Reviews of "Waiting for the Storm"
Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)
Reviewed on November 18, 2005
Great capture of the emotions as a storm is approaching. This could be read in two ways. One a real storm/tornado; or two, the emotional storms that come into our lives. Fantastic write.
E x c e l l e n t. Love the yellow-hot atmosphere. . .thick green
air. . .sense of foreboding, yet of feeling secure. Me, I still get scared. Now that I no longer have children to act brave for, I
feel the terror. Thunder often sounds like buildings falling, or is it just me? Brrrrrrr. 'Pea' <3
Your word paintings are so rich that it's like reality touching the surreal... which is what seems to be taking place in our world with alarming frequency these days. The stillness is potent and pungent here, Janet, and the heaviness of The Wait. Yet love the image of "The lack of movement in the trees" reflecting the depth and stillness of your overarching peace. Another cinematic write. TY Kate xx
One feels the growing tension, the thickening of the atmosphere in your words; imagery is spot on, and the ending is wonderfully inspiring. Yes, the winds may howl, the lightning flash, the thunder crash, the rain pour...but the storm will move on. Excellent! A keeper--
I could feel the heaviness in the air with your excellent imagery and description Janet.....I do hope the storms circumvented your little space in the world and you are safe! Nicely written piece.
Janet, you did a fine job of building on a tried and true theme, making it all your own. I always savor the rich color and texture you weave into your work and the holy everyday. Saw the storms on CNN over Mexican food tonight. It's rumbling outside, but think we escaped the stuff that tore through your way and in Tennessee. Take care, Dawn
Fantastic imagery in this poem, Janet. It shows the stark reality of how we cannot control mother nature. After what little preparation we can perform, there is nothing to do but wait. Thank God if you can do it with prayer and patience. I saw those storms on the weather channel today. Hope all is well with you.
A book of nature inspired poems and essays, written from the heart and soul of a life-long nature, animal, and wilderness lover, and dedicated to today’s children - Earth's only hope for a better tomorrow.
This book won 'The Poetry Category'
A book of nature inspired poems and essays, written from the heart and soul of a life-long nature, animal, and wilderness lover, and dedicated to today’s children - Earth's only hope for a better tomorrow.
This book won 'The Poetry Category'
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awesome emotional and psychological descriptions ....
air. . .sense of foreboding, yet of feeling secure. Me, I still get scared. Now that I no longer have children to act brave for, I
feel the terror. Thunder often sounds like buildings falling, or is it just me? Brrrrrrr. 'Pea' <3
One feels the growing tension, the thickening of the atmosphere in your words; imagery is spot on, and the ending is wonderfully inspiring. Yes, the winds may howl, the lightning flash, the thunder crash, the rain pour...but the storm will move on. Excellent! A keeper--
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Felix
Be Safe,
Carolyn