August Rains

The steadily falling cold August rains
Continue to pour upon Cheshires lanes;
Over flattening fields of soddened wheat,
Soaking the grass, splashing the feet.

Stands the Combine in the shed;
The unripened apples hanging rosy red.
Stands the caped heron all alone -
His glinting eye as cold as stone.

And in amongst the many puddles
We step around like our troubles:
So lurch ahead with our retreat
Like drunken fools in the street.

And through this months darkly frowns
The cleansing downpours wash the towns;
Scrubs the spire from ingrained time -
Absolves the guilt from the crime!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

123
Ghanty Avatar
August 6, 2025 at 11:09 PM
This is August and My heart feels the same as have described drenched in rain..
Fleming Avatar
August 7, 2025 at 5:58 AM
Chin up, Namrata...soon the sunshine. :) john
George   Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 8:44 AM
A Vivid picture you paint with words drenched in August rain. Your poems come alive.
Fleming Avatar
August 7, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Thank you, Elaine...you are most kind.
Lamoureux Avatar
January 10, 2018 at 8:34 AM
It’s good to know there are diligent people like yourself keeping the mail flowing. I miss the days we had door to door service.
Fleming Avatar
January 14, 2018 at 2:16 AM
Thank you, Richard; things are getting back to normality now...it has been a long, hard slog over Christmas and into the New Year. Best regards! :) john
Lamoureux Avatar
January 1, 2018 at 9:09 AM
What an impressive first write. Happy new year to you as well.
Fleming Avatar
January 8, 2018 at 3:20 AM
Thank you, Richard...and thank you for the New Year greetings - most kind! Sorry for the late reply on this one; as I have explained to several commentators beforehand...I am a "Postie", and everything is still so hectic here! Hopefully in a week or two things will have returned to normal: mayhem and madness instead of disaster and insanity! Lol. My very warmest regards, Richard. :) john P.s Not had much time for poetry over the Christmas period...with a bit of luck that will now change. Cheers!
Flats Avatar
November 20, 2017 at 10:04 PM
I once heard a General described as a "Soldier's General." You, sir, are a poet's poet! Triple wowsa! (my short form version of same)
Fleming Avatar
December 31, 2017 at 4:10 PM
Thank you, L.F...and you, Sir, are a gentleman of gentlemen. All the very best as always...and - many thanks!! :) john
Michaels Avatar
November 12, 2017 at 10:11 AM
Great rhythm and flow, John. A sterling first entry on the 'Soup!! All the best, John
Fleming Avatar
December 31, 2017 at 4:23 PM
Thank you, John...that is very kind of you to say so - much obliged! My best regards! :) john
O'Haolin Whalen Avatar
November 8, 2017 at 8:10 PM
Just finished reading some of your poetry and must say I'm impressed. We have similar styles it appears at first glance. The few that I've read so far show a poet that respects the craft and has a love of words plus the ability to put them together well. One thing I might learn from you is how to write longer poems. One of my most mentioned faults is writing poems that are too short. Seems there's always more to learn! Oh! and I like a writer who likes to rhyme!
Fleming Avatar
November 9, 2017 at 8:12 AM
Hi, David. Very nice to see you again, my friend. I would have to agree with you when you make the comment regarding our writing styles...I think it is because we both see the hidden charm in life; something that does not easily reveal itself to a lot of people pursuing their mundane lives of avarice and craven compromise. Regarding your shorter poems, quite simply - they are very good! You have an obvious knack for them; I am quite certain when you are ready you will compose some longer poetry. All my very best, David - Cheers! :) john
Ashley Avatar
October 22, 2017 at 7:48 PM
A beautiful write John with wonderful rhymes and lovely lines of imagery.., I especially liked your third stanza - fantastic!
Ashley Avatar
October 24, 2017 at 6:26 PM
You had set the bar high John, and I would say, you did surpass.... :)
Fleming Avatar
October 24, 2017 at 2:24 PM
Thank you, Susan. This was a first attempt at poetry; and, I would have to say, in all fairness...probably one of my best. Ah well -- something to try and surpass! :) My very warmest regards, Susan. :) john
Cresswell Avatar
September 28, 2017 at 11:02 AM
Pidgeons are forgiven in August. I just pulled up the throw to ward off a chill from the poem. Weather I truly hate and we are having it here in abundance this ear. lol I such a soppy old soul.
Fleming Avatar
September 28, 2017 at 2:44 PM
Yes indeed...long and protracted periods of miserable weather can be rather depressing; nice when you get the sudden interludes though! But don't worry, I am sure you will be due some sunshine, even if only of a brief sorts, very soon! A warm hug for you, Patricia, to cheer you up! :) john
Cresswell Avatar
September 28, 2017 at 11:02 AM
year
Horsman Avatar
September 7, 2017 at 9:12 AM
A portrait of poetry, you weave it so well john, had to come and read your first post here on soup....
Fleming Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 2:41 AM
Thank you, Harry. This was one of my very first poems...and still one of my very best in my humble opinion. Glad you enjoyed reading it, Harry. All the very best! :) john
Kroll Avatar
January 15, 2017 at 11:32 AM
I love how you set the scene. I can feel myself in this time and place. Then you look more deeply at the connections. You have written an impressive poem that gives the reader much food for thought. Hope you are staying warm and rain despite the rains that I hear are pouring over Britain and Europe now. Kathy
Fleming Avatar
January 16, 2017 at 2:15 AM
Hello, Kathy. Thank you for your kind concern! Yes we are a lot safer up here in Cheshire...It is the Essex south-east coast that may well suffer some local flooding. Hope everything is going well for you at the moment...And you also are comfortable and secure! All my very best, Kathy. :) john
Amezimi Avatar
January 11, 2017 at 12:15 PM
I'm glad I stopped to read this one, I absolutely adore the style of rhyming and the depth/choice of the words, beautifully done. cheers, Dominic.
Fleming Avatar
January 14, 2017 at 10:27 AM
Hello, Dominic. Good to become acquainted...Nice to know you! Thank you for your kind comments - They are much appreciated! Please feel free to call in at any time...You will always be most welcome. All the very best, Dominic. :) john
Neumann Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 6:53 AM
I like this and it make me fail the autumn. That's when I miss Pembrokeshire and I guess it is because of the rain. Sunny thoughts from South Africa, Kai
Fleming Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 1:50 PM
Hi, Kai. Beautiful coastline Pembrokeshire...Gloriously so! Glad you enjoyed the read; I confess...it is one of my more favourite ones. My very best wishes, Kai...And warmest regards. :) john
Godwin Avatar
June 11, 2016 at 6:11 AM
This is so well written and lovely, just enchanting. I enjoyed discovering this beauty. CayCay
Fleming Avatar
June 11, 2016 at 7:39 AM
Hello, CayCay. Always a pleasure to see you visiting...You are always most welcome here at anytime. Many thanks for your kind and generous comments. My very best regards...And my warmest wishes! :) john
losophy  Avatar
March 27, 2016 at 10:55 AM
Hi John, I'm new to the site and I thank you for your comments on my first poem posted; "Agape Love, or Lie". I see you have quite a collection and I find August Rains to be wowing. The title pulled me right in... Could be nothing less than a 10 in my opinion...
Fleming Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 2:14 PM
Hi, Phyllis. Very pleased to make your acquaintance - Proud I am to be sure! Thank you for your kind comments...It is much appreciated! I will find time to visit your poems in the very near future. All the very best, and kind regards. :) john
Raven Avatar
February 18, 2016 at 6:18 AM
Hi John, i enjoyed the read very much. The poetic journey through images your words bring to life in the mind. I always enjoy a walk in the rain, helps me think for some reason. It has been a Lovely walk in the rain with you John. Have a good day....Vlad. A seven for this excellent write John.
Fleming Avatar
February 18, 2016 at 9:46 AM
Hello, Vlad, my good friend! I totally agree...A walk in the rain is a most refreshing experience. My very best regards to you as always, Vlad! :) john
Lowley Avatar
January 3, 2016 at 7:21 AM
Vry realistic imagery-I know Cheshire very well, being from Liverpool myself. Your rhyming and choice of words are excellent. I hope you don't mind my input-you have omitted apostrophe s-verse 1, Cheshire's lanes, verse 4, month's darkly frowns. Also, the syllable count is off-Verse 2, line 1 has 7 syllables, line 2 has 11. Your poem will flow better if you keep to 8 or 10 syllables with meter. This is constructive criticism, I mean well. I'd be happy to elaborate if you wish. Great read. Faye
Lowley Avatar
January 3, 2016 at 1:38 PM
I am so glad you appreciated my comments, John, my only aim is to help. I never used to write in meter until someone suggested I learn-I taught myself and the results were miraculous. There'll be more space to elaborate in an email, so I will write later. The fact that you write in rhyme, not free verse means you like classical forms of poetry, which I do, too. Best regards, Faye
Fleming Avatar
January 3, 2016 at 9:13 AM
Thank you, Faye. I would be very happy for you to elaborate in any way regarding my poems. I have to confess that I am not the most capable when it comes to punctuation. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Faye! My best regards - Cheers! :) john
George   Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 6:01 PM
Simply brilliant in every way, John. Elaine
Fleming Avatar
December 31, 2015 at 8:36 AM
I regard that as high praise indeed coming from such a capable poet as your good self, Elaine...Many thanks - Very much appreciated! My warmest regards, and very best wishes for your New Year! :) john
Maree Avatar
December 29, 2015 at 8:37 AM
Fabulous...enjoyed all of it...shall read plenty more john
Fleming Avatar
December 31, 2015 at 8:32 AM
How very nice to make your acquaintance, Bree...Proud I am sure! Many thanks for the nice comments - They are much appreciated! My very best regards...Cheers! :) john
Allison Avatar
December 25, 2015 at 3:10 PM
I had to drop by this first poem John - the title pulled me in - gee the poor people in Cumbria sure know about rain - we had floods on our little Island but nothing like the mainland has - the poor farmers must be going through a terrible time too watch out for the price hikes next year!:-( hugs Jan xx
Fleming Avatar
December 28, 2015 at 12:51 PM
Hi, Jan. Thanks for dropping by - Its nice to see you! I could not agree more about your comments regarding Cumbria...And at this time of year too - An absolute shame! All the very best to you in the New Year, Jan - Cheers! :) john
Negron Flores Avatar
November 4, 2015 at 2:27 PM
Excellent rhyme poem.
Fleming Avatar
November 4, 2015 at 3:22 PM
Hi, Nayda. Nice to make your acquaintance. Many thanks for the visit and nice comment - Cheers! :) john
Duncan Avatar
October 31, 2015 at 2:54 AM
I like your style of writing very much :) I will go thru your peoms. And it's nice to meet you as well !
Fleming Avatar
November 1, 2015 at 2:42 AM
Thank you, Debbie. You are most welcome to look around, I would appreciate your comments: good or bad! After all that is how we all learn. I will have another visit to your poems in the very near future. My very best regards, Debbie. :) john
Rycroft Avatar
October 24, 2015 at 2:53 AM
Good poem John do you live in Cheshire England x
Fleming Avatar
October 24, 2015 at 2:47 PM
Hello, Wendy. Yes indeed I do live in the lovely county of Cheshire, not far from the beautiful area of "Vale Royal". Many kind regards, Wendy...and many thanks! :) john
Alzhrani Avatar
October 16, 2015 at 5:38 PM
john, Let me translate it in arabic. this is kind of attractive poem. with best wishes.
Fleming Avatar
October 20, 2015 at 3:19 PM
I would be very glad for you to translate the poem into Arabic, my friend. Many thanks! My very best regards! :-) john
Lindley Avatar
July 23, 2015 at 2:28 PM
Brilliant writing my friend. A pleasure to read and be inspired by. Poem is a gem and the superb closing stanza the cherry on top! A7
Fleming Avatar
July 25, 2015 at 12:12 PM
Robert, you are most welcome! I have to confess "August rains" is one of my favourite poems - glad you liked it! My very best regards, Robert! :) john
123
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace