The first drops of rain fall on a vehicle windscreen during a massive thunderstorm that swept through Nairobi on December 23rd, 2009.
“A Sudden Storm”, By Pius Oleghe
The wind howls, the trees sway
The loose housetop sheets clatter and clang
The open window shuts with a bang
And the sky makes night of day.
Helter skelter the parents run
Pressed with a thousand minor cares
Hey you there! Pack the house wares!
And where on earth is my son?
I remember reciting this poem during one of those years in primary school for the English drama (or some other festival). I think we went all the way to the Provincial finals before bowing out of the competition.
I recited that poem too for some competition back in my day! (I’m think music festivals although I’m wondering why music festivals). Anyhoo, memories are made of this!
I love this poem. I had in middle school. It’s so evocative – i am crazy about wet weather, more so, staying in the hot sultry city of Mumbai where rains are always welcome. In A Sudden Storm, Oleghe succinctly captures the chaos that results from an unexpected downpour. Sigh! Waiting for the monsoon!