The quiet after the storm

There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm. Willa Cather

I’m startled by the light and flashing,

for a moment it’s very bright and clear

as if the dark was swallowed,

I see it fine now in this head of mine,

 

keeping my breath up I still count

and shrink by the unexpected,

the outbreak of a cracking thunder,

in my ear beats fiercely a hammer,

 

the roof groans under the hauling

and the wildly shaking of the wind,

my heart is imitating the batter

and as a fool gets out of whack,

 

so it bangs too hard and it also whips,

hail is jumping out of the gutters,

the water pours with streams

out of my eyes, the fear is flowing,

 

the trees bent humbly for the squalls,

some won’t do and crackle in shatters,

from branch and leaves undressed,

the naked truth so close and near,

 

at the horizon, shines a light of hope

the calm sea after turbulent waves,

the unreal quiet after the storm,

again in your arms, I’m safe to heal.

 

© Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere

23/10/2014

 

 

Author's Note

Reviews

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Beautiful & a pleasure reading your lines Rudi....

at the horizon, shines a light of hope
the calm sea after turbulent waves,
the unreal quiet after the storm,
again in your arms, I’m safe to heal.

Its really a quiet start after the storms...

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Yes indeed. Thank you for reading. I have read this poem (see window soundcloud) on the music of Vivaldi: summer storm out of the part summer of the 4 seasons, a rock version of this classical melody. :) Rudi

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

You're always welcome Rudi! Bless you!

[Chris]

You have a fair mastery of English - but not quite "native".

Life has a way of happening to and around us. Sharing our existence is a strength and a way of coping.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you for the compliment. Of course, as a Belgian I am not a native English speaker. There will always be some grammar issues in my writings. I try to avoid the most obvious ones. :) Rudi

[Chris]

You handle your thoughts well Rudi.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you very much, Chris. :) Rudi

[Coyote Poetry]

Amazing description of the storm. I was unlucky and was 500 yards away from Tornadoes in Georgia. We were training in the Georgia swamps. We prayed for different direction. We had no cover. It went away from us and we did enjoy the silence. Your words powerful and true. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, John, for reading and reviewing. I guess such an experience has not to be repeated, tornadoes are very powerful and destructive. :) Rudi

[Coyote Poetry]

The storms can be dangerous and you are welcome.

[Jamestown]

Fabulous piece, top to bottom and imagery to mirror:)
Thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, James, for reading and reviewing. :) Rudi

[MsJewel]

I can feel the chill of the wind, hear the crash of thunder, feel the fear in your words and the comfort found in the safe arms of the one you love. Amazing poetry dear Rudi. You are so talented.

:) Julie

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, Julie, for your kind words. They are really appreciated. Have a good weeken, my friend. :) Rudi

[....................]

Love the tone of your reading, Rudi... the rock version of Vivaldi's "Summer Storm" adds to the surviving of the storm and anticipation of quiet release in the arms of a loved one... nicely-done!

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, FT, for reading, listening and reviewing. Have a good day. :) Rudi

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the storm of missing someone, the aftermath in her arms...extremely romantic...i like the personification used to show that storm of feelings as the other is away....
nicely done, Rudi.

j.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, Jacob, you always look deeper, behind the words. Thanks you for your kind remarks, Jacob. :) Rudi

[Kelly Scheppers]

I was forewarned as a child to be calm during a storm. Now, these many years later, I think I'd prefer to be in someone's arms.

I used to live on the east coast here in the states, and there were always thunderstorms throughout the summer months, some quite violent, and most resulting in a power outage. It's the clapping of thunder that always rattled my nerves and put me on the edge.

I find your music accompaniment very enjoying, Rudi!

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, Kelly. It's a rock version of a part of Vivaldi's 'the four season'. The part is called 'Summer Storm'. I thought it was fitting to take this music, ending with still a thunder and afterward the calm, the quiet. :) Rudi

[R Smith]

a massive write Rudi full of drama and the violence of nature, i love it :)

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, Richard, for your kind remarks. Have you listened to my presenting the poem on the window of Soundcloud. It's presented on a rock version of the summer storm of Vivaldi (the 4 seasons) :) Rudi

[R Smith]

i will try it soon, my comp is a bit on the old side and the sound is dead as a dodo lol

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Okay, Richard, not a problem, thank you anyway for reading my writings. :) Rudi