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Approaching Storm

Skulking between the thinning clumps Of tattered sedge A balding coot despondently calls, Scratching Blackbirds scutter deeply Into a Hawthorn hedge; Whilst, creeping stealthily, Gathering darkness onwardly crawls. The blackened Moorhen washes the clinging Soot from his feathered form, Rising above the mirrored pond in awkward flight. Gathering clouds mumble softly of an Impending storm, When, silently menacing, inwards marches The approaching night. Listening intently, between murmurs upon A breeze, I check my step and briefly pause - To catch a low sigh whispered from among The sullen trees... A last desperate plead of their lost cause. For now billowing cumulonimbus sags And begs to stall, As, slowly homeward bound, I gather About me to hastily make; Where, circling high in rushing element, The ragged Buzzard begins to fall... Upon Heavens gathered Furies - That so conspire to thunderously break!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014




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Date: 1/8/2018 7:04:00 PM
John, your captivating write wears the feelings of an approaching storm excellently with your vivid and artistically expressed imagery and gorgeous content. I just love a good storm, all kinds, and I love your poem. The sense of foreboding you create is dramatic and elegantly done. An impressive and stunning write.. Please feel free to read my weather write 'Nature's Wild Child' if you haven't already. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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John Fleming
Date: 1/14/2018 2:21:00 AM
Thank you, Susan; and yes I will take a look at your poem. My very best regards as always - cheers! :) john
Date: 9/23/2017 8:37:00 PM
Mmmmm sitting on my front porch watching this storm approach is a marvellous play of tensions both atmospheric and emotional. Thank you.
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John Fleming
Date: 10/1/2017 4:14:00 PM
Nothing quite as enthralling as an approaching storm; and the sudden way it breaks into an almighty crescendo - marvelously exciting! Who does not love a good storm? :) john
Date: 6/5/2016 6:16:00 AM
I have read all of your poems under "Best Poems by..." and I loved them all. Your choice of words and the creative artful way in which you coin them, impressed me. I get to do so by a fluke, I guess according to how the deep thoughts within operate at the moment. A 7 and fav. Thanks for commenting on my page. God bless, RP.
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John Fleming
Date: 6/6/2016 10:33:00 AM
Hello, R.B Promise. Always good to reacquaint myself with an old face; you are very much welcome here! Many thanks for calling in...And thank you for your kind and generous comments - Very much appreciated! My very best regards. :) john
Date: 2/14/2016 3:54:00 PM
I love "the sullen trees." I was hooked from the first line, and you executed masterfully throughout. Nice work!
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John Fleming
Date: 2/15/2016 8:40:00 AM
Thank you, Matt, for your visit and kind comments. Very pleased to make your acquaintance! All the very best, Matt! :) john
Date: 7/14/2015 8:23:00 AM
Interesting poem, John. It reminds me somewhat of "To a Waterfowl" by William Cullen Bryant. Keep writing!
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John Fleming
Date: 7/14/2015 12:17:00 PM
Many thanks for the kind remarks, Gawaine - Much appreciated! I have not read this poem you mention before so I will look it up. Cheers, and...best regards! :) john
Date: 4/16/2015 9:21:00 AM
fantastic pen John stunning imagery ty for visiting my page hugs 7
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John Fleming
Date: 4/18/2015 1:15:00 AM
Hi, Shadow. Good to see you visiting again. Thanks for the generous comments! My very best regards!! :) john.
Date: 3/23/2015 5:35:00 PM
John, this is an excellent write my friend. Well done. :O) Keep up with the great work. Keep on penning. Thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful and creative talents with us. We all truly appreciate it. A 7 from me. *S* Cynthia
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Cynthia Jones
Date: 4/6/2015 6:57:00 PM
Hello John. :O) Why wouldn't I visit? Everything is going good. Still posting. :O) *S* Cynthia
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John Fleming
Date: 3/24/2015 1:14:00 PM
Hi, Cynthia. Its really nice to see you visiting once more. I hope everything is going fine for you. My very best regards!! :) john.
Date: 2/22/2015 1:18:00 PM
I admire your breadth of vision for the natural world, john. Hugs, Alicia, xx
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John Fleming
Date: 2/24/2015 12:36:00 PM
Thank you, Alicia! I regard your comment as a very fine compliment! :) john.
Date: 2/20/2015 7:32:00 AM
John, this magnificent poem captures natural phenomena with exceptional power. And the words—they are classic. A first-rate write, no question about it. Kudos!
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John Fleming
Date: 2/20/2015 2:17:00 PM
Paul, you are very kind...Thank you so much for your most generous comments! I can assure you: they are very much appreciated!! Best regards! :) john.
Date: 1/13/2015 8:49:00 AM
excellent pen john wishing you a happy year
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John Fleming
Date: 1/13/2015 9:42:00 AM
Thank you, liam! May I also wish you a good year too...cheers!! :-) john.
Date: 1/13/2015 12:47:00 AM
The blackbirds do seem to gather and fly awkwardly before an approaching thunderstorm, as if to warn us all... Your poem takes me back to those balmy summer evenings. An amazing write, John! It is a favorite one for me!
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John Fleming
Date: 1/13/2015 1:46:00 AM
Thanks for your very kind comments, Kelly! Its nice to see you paying me a visit. I hope you are keeping well. My very best regards! :-) john.
Date: 1/10/2015 2:14:00 PM
Thank you, Herbert, for your kind remarks! I am very pleased to make your acquaintance! :) john.
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Date: 1/10/2015 1:55:00 PM
I Love the title and when I goes into a poem itself I even Love it more john. Hope to read more of your works.
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Date: 1/8/2015 1:45:00 PM
Poetry at it's best 'John Fleming' loved it - James :)
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John Fleming
Date: 1/8/2015 11:46:00 PM
Thank you for your kind comments, Fraser! :-) john.
Date: 1/4/2015 3:31:00 PM
Im glad my fimgertips led me here..Outstanding poem !
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John Fleming
Date: 1/5/2015 11:26:00 AM
Thank you, Charmaine! Your appreciation is very much valued!! :) john.
Date: 1/4/2015 9:17:00 AM
Thank you, Olive. I will read your poem right this minute. :) john.
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Date: 1/4/2015 6:20:00 AM
what a way to describe the storm approaching.. :)! I have a poem which is with the same theme. :) Storms is the title.. :)! God bless you!
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John Fleming
Date: 1/5/2015 11:24:00 AM
I read your "Storms" poem, Olive. It was a great read; very enjoyable!! Many thanks! :) john.
Date: 1/3/2015 6:41:00 PM
Wish to give this a ten but A7 must do. Adding this gem to my fav list.. A very deep and inspirational poem my friend. One I wish to read and study in the coming weeks!! Thanks
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John Fleming
Date: 1/4/2015 12:55:00 AM
Only too pleased you enjoyed reading it, Robert. Please feel free to study and critique at your leisure. Any suggestions or advice on any of my poems is always welcomed. Many thanks! :) john.
Date: 1/3/2015 3:42:00 PM
I could feel this building up with each verse read... your imagery captivating my senses. Marvelous !!
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John Fleming
Date: 1/3/2015 4:06:00 PM
Thank you, Debra! Your kind words are greatly appreciated!! :) john.
Date: 12/29/2014 12:36:00 AM
Nice imagery...visually descriptive, a good piece!
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John Fleming
Date: 12/29/2014 6:57:00 AM
Thank you, Itsoghole! Your kind words are very much appreciated. ..cheers!! :-) John.
Date: 12/27/2014 3:57:00 PM
I can feel the approaching storm, as it rages towards me. Wonderfully written.
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John Fleming
Date: 12/27/2014 4:06:00 PM
Many thanks; your comments are most kind. :) john.
Date: 12/26/2014 1:53:00 PM
Hi, im not a mr. Im a lady poetess. Yor rhyme scheme is awesome here and the brewing storm metaphor and imagery so poetic and fabulous eh. I admired the terminology too. Cheers.
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John Fleming
Date: 12/26/2014 2:45:00 PM
My most profound apologies, Madam!! Allow me to say "thank you" for your very kind comments. :) john.
Date: 12/26/2014 6:48:00 AM
John, the imagery is outstanding in this excellent piece. I can see and feel that storm brewing and getting ready to bring about havoc! If you haven't already done so, please check out mine called "Storms." Warmest regards, Pandita.
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John Fleming
Date: 12/26/2014 3:51:00 PM
beg your pardon..."Storms"! The perils of being distracted whilst you type...sorry, Pandita. :) john.
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John Fleming
Date: 12/26/2014 9:41:00 AM
Hi, Pandita. Thank you for your kind remarks; most appreciated! I have viewed your poem "streams"...An excellent write! I really enjoyed the read. :) john.
Date: 12/26/2014 1:07:00 AM
Your poetry just resonates with SMARTNESS. (if I can use that word). The way you play with sound and meaning. So eloquent. Great poem!
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John Fleming
Date: 12/26/2014 1:30:00 AM
Thank you, Andrea. Allow me to convey my very best seasonal greetings to you. Hope your having an enjoyable Christmas...cheers! :) john.
Date: 12/25/2014 5:06:00 PM
It is always interesting to me to watch buzzards soar when upper currents are very active sometimes just before a storm or the first part of a storm..You have conveyed the idea very well..I enjoyed reading your work..Thanks for stopping by my work "Black"..My parents believe and I believe in life after parting from this life upon earth..I don't know if my sister(adoptive) was still a baby in heaven or if she had grown up ..I don't know about those things but she was there to greet mom and dad.SK
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John Fleming
Date: 12/26/2014 12:55:00 AM
I believe that the universe created sentient life so it could wonder about itself. we are all part of a single universal "consciousness". when our bodies die this immortal "consciousness" will experience life once more; perhaps through strange alien eyes: on some strange alien planet, under alien skies, far away on the other side of the great glowing cosmos. We are born knowing only death, but, we are all purposefully deceived so as to protect ourselves from ourselves; for the truth is: there can be no true death - only life!!! :) john.
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