I’m awakened by the rain hitting the window, the barker for the upcoming show. Step right up, folks! This one’s a dazzler of light and sound. The lightning takes center stage as it illuminates the sky, followed by the chorus of thundering kettle drums. One cat leaps off the bed; the other snuggles closer to my side. My husband sleeps, but I’m held captive, an unwitting, unwilling audience for this production. Do hours pass, or does it just seem that way? The endless percussion, the strobing encores? The fortissimo storm music finally ends, drifting off, pianissimo, until it’s gone. I dream then of shadows and golden light, of distant seas and far off worlds, until at last, the sun rises, waking me again, with a gentle song.
whirling midnight storms
shadows flit through worlds and minds
in dawn’s light, vanish
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This Haibun is for Colleen Chesebro’s Weekly Poetry Challenge.
The prompt words were shadow and light.
I’m also linking to dVerse, where Gayle is hosting an open link night.
There’s nothing quite like the spectacle of nature for thrills and spills. I’m glad you looked after the cats 🙂
My constant companion sleeps by my side, and follows me around the house. The other one, not so much. He used to run and hide at the first hint of a storm, but he’s much braver now. 🙂
Trixie (the older cat) is terrified of storms and perches up high somewhere at the first hint of thunder. The little one ‘with issues’ doesn’t even notice. Finbar, of course, has to cuddle up next to Maman.
I’ve never met Finbar, of course, but I love him. 🙂
If I had to sleep with him on a regular basis, I’d probably murder him. He’s a restless sleeper. The noise of toenails being chewed is one of the hardest sounds of all to sleep through.
Hahahahaha. My daughter has to tuck her dog in at night. He sleeps in a dog bed by their bed, but if my son-in-law gets up, he jumps into his spot in the bed. 🙂
I couldn’t stand that. Finbar doesn’t sleep all night. He gets up, stretches, shakes himself, goes for a drink of water, sniffs my face to make sure I’m still breathing, clomps into his bed, turns round and round to make it comfy, then keels over into it like a cart horse. That is usually a prelude to a bit of grooming and manicure before dozing for a bit longer. Then off we go again. It’s hellish!
🙂
Gorgeous capture of the sights and sounds of a rumbling thunderstorm. Love it! ❤
Thank you, Colleen! 🙂
How is it that husbands manage to sleep through storms?
Beautiful description of the storm and wakefulness. Beautiful Haibun. 🙂
Thanks so much, Robin.
My husband is not quite as sound a sleeper as he was, but he can still sleep through lots of things. 🙂
I LOVE your composition…and indeed it is…Opus Storm 🙂 Especially like the idea of the strobing encores. Really a wonderful way to describe a storm! Nature’s symphony 🙂
Thank you very much, Lillian! Your comment made me smile. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem. 🙂
Awesome!
Thank you!
Those night storms are especially dramatic. You describe it so well, Merril, with the references to a concert.
Thank you very much!
I do love a good thunderstorm. You describe it so well
Thank you very much!
A fabulous production!
Thank you! 🙂
What an incredible description of a storm! a lovely haibun indeed.
Thank you so much!
Oh I love music term describing the storm… just woke up to rain instead…
Thank you, Björn!
The rain is probably more soothing. 🙂
Such a stunning haibun! 😀
Thank you very much! 🙂
I love the comparison between a thunderstorm and a rousing symphony!
Thank you so much!
Wow, Merril! That’s some show! I always get up for thunder and lightning. I love the rain as a barker and the ‘chorus of thundering kettle drums’, and the musical fade you describe.
Thank you, Kim. It was strange how I woke up before the storm started, but I heard that rain tapping the window. It seems more dramatic in the middle of the night, when you’ve been awakened.
I love the idea of storm as carnival. Yes, step right up! (K)
Thanks so much, Kerfe. 🙂
Oh yes … storms are definitely a modernist symphony. … Hi Merril. Hope all is well.
Thank you, Frank, for your comment and good wishes. We’re getting ready to celebrate my mom’s 95th birthday! I hope all is well at your end.
Happy Birthday to Mom on the day!
Thank you, Frank!
Beautifully written, Merril.
Thank you very much, Ken.
Wonderful description. I quite like a thunderstorm when I’m comfortably settled at home.
Kathrin — http://mycupofenglishtea.wordpress.com
Yes, if I’m comfortably settled–AND it’s not too violent–I don’t mind it. 🙂
Interesting to see the thunderstorm as musical and that perspective makes sense–just listen to it till it is over.
Thank you, Frank.
What a storm show it must have been ~ Love your haibun ~
Thank you so much, Grace!
Beautifully written!
Thank you very much! 🙂
A lovely symphony in the cacophony of storms. Well done!
Thank you so much, Sarah!
I could sense the eerie pre-storm feeling and then loved the circus master with his announcement! The storm was (always is) a show of light and noise.
Although not quite stormy, I thought of the Beatles’ now 50 year’s old album, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and the Magical Mystery Tour songs. I guess storms can evoke rock stars, too. 🙂
Thank you, Robin. That made me laugh. I suppose we all particular images our minds conjure up. 🙂
So true, but the calm before the storm was eerie when the birds all got quiet. In camping days, we would rush back to our tents or the shelter house. 😊
Oh yes, that is creepy. Sometimes I’m sure I can feel the pressure drop, too.
Wow! Your thrilling poem captures me in the storm’s energy. I, too, would stay awake and listen to the boom of thunder. Exciting poetry, Merril!
Thank you very much, Rose. I’m happy you found it so thrilling!
🙂
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I like the use of music terminology. I enjoyed reading this, well done!
Thank you!