Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Storms


Circumstance


White sails calmly sifting through a cerulean sea
A storm is coming, though powder blue skies are mum
Edging out the tranquil scene, comes a darkness

Passengers sleepy, lulled by the gentle breeze and even gentler wave
A storm is coming, its breath caught while attempting to speak
And the warming sun coaxes dreamers into respite

Unsteady hold or certainty begins the test
A storm is coming, preparers beware
Holding the light may be all you can do


Copyright 2012 Jennifer Wagner 
Shared with Poets United Poetry Pantry

32 comments:

Laura Maria said...

I wonder how many times we ignore the coming storms until they're tossing us about. Hopefully those preparers do more than just make it. Good writing!

Anonymous said...

"A storm is coming, its breath caught while attempting to speak"

Great personification!

Dennis Go said...

awesome images!

Janine Bollée said...

Hi Jennifer,
I like the different blues uou present us with in this poem. And the anthropomorphism of the storm.

Sayantini said...

Your poem is STORMY!! Loved it.
Check out mine too on http://sayantini-bhattacharya.blogspot.in

Mary said...

I have been in situations like this where the only thing you can do is hold on to the light...and hope..and pray.

Dr. Pearl Ketover Prilik (PKP) said...

Ah that sense of being "lulled" by "gentle waves" as a "storm is coming" a gentle yet cautionary tale beautifully written. :)

Anonymous said...

I like the repeating line "a storm is coming" and also how the storm caught it's breath... it does that, your choice of metaphor is perfect.

Daydreamertoo said...

I agree with everyone else's comments. The foreboding in this is so evident. The storm is coming, is the warning and yet, the hope is there in the holding onto the light.
Lovely.

Audrey Howitt aka Divalounger said...

I too agree--there is a great sense of foreboding here--Really lovely write!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Right...or we are oblivious to the possibility...thank you Laura! Always appreciate your visits and thoughts :)

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thanks very much Jack.

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thanks Dennis!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Glad you enjoyed those elements--thank you for commenting!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Ha! Great pun--thanks Sayantini :)

Jennifer Wagner said...

Me too...even if you are prepared, it's sometimes the only thing you can do. Always appreciate your visits Mary :)

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thank you very much! I so appreciate your compliment PKP :)

Jennifer Wagner said...

...it does do that doesn't it? Thank you so much for commenting-- I value your thoughts :)

Anonymous said...

"A storm is coming, its breath caught while attempting to speak"

Beautiful!!!

Bodhirose said...

Yes, this (storms) can happen under many different circumstances...best be on our toes and not "lulled" into compliance or apathy. I'm reading into this several scenarios... I like these writes that make me think...thank you!

Gayle

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I read this both literally and metaphorically, as I read the last line that holding the light may be all that we can do. So true. On so many levels.

Anonymous said...

"A storm is coming, its breath caught while attempting to speak"

i love your rich descriptions ~ the imagery perfectly depicts how deceptive the weather can be.

Tulika Verma said...

It has this haunting quality, the kind of imagery that is not so easy to create in poetry. Love the poem! :)

Sharp Little Pencil said...

Jennifer, my first time here, found you at Poets U. This could be a mantra. Just as here in the Midwest, or in the Caribbeans, a storm can take one by surprise because of the pleasant atmosphere (and then there's the part about not having an umbrella and running like hell!), there's that Storm that is indeed brewing all over the world. We mustn't be lulled into dreamland; we are all vulnerable. And we must remember to take care of those more vulnerable than we are... Great write, on all levels. Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.com/2012/08/20/three-hymns-naming-constellations/

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thank you very much! :)

Jennifer Wagner said...

Audrey, thanks...and I love your "Divalounger" handle!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Glad you think so! Thanks for leaving me a comment!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thanks Gayle, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had several different scenarios in my head when I wrote it. Glad it connected with you in that way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Jennifer Wagner said...

I was definitely writing literally as well as metaphorically. I agree, sometimes even if prepared or unprepared all you can do is hold on. Thanks Sherry--always love to hear your thoughts!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thank you very much--I so appreciate such complimentary words!

Jennifer Wagner said...

I'm glad you enjoyed it and found that haunting element attractive. So glad you came by :)

Jennifer Wagner said...

Amy- glad you found me and that you stumbled on in. A wonderful, very thoughtful response to my write. You're right about those stormy weather scenarios, and about those "life storms" we can face--either personal or social. Thanks so much for your thoughts!