The Thunder Kings

The rains had come and washed away the old world,
the thunder had banged its drum
with a weary warning ---
' I do not come oft, but I return and weep
and growl a lion's roar ' ---
I will for a brief moment be as a child
and fear again...
the cracks and booms rouse my guilt,
Telemachus would say the gods were going mad...

There is something 'neath the earnest 
thunder-drums which bangs
something-wicked-this-way-comes ---
and fades,
gently rolling away like a sonic carpet

Its change I welcome,
and fear,
and wonder if I was afraid at all,
wonder what deathly grip may one day come ---
suddenly,
or love may guide me through its tumult,
and dark valleys,
with flowers blooming 'neath my faithful feet;
and though I was once afraid
like a boyhood fear ---
startled from my very boots,
I shall miss my old friend thunder,
who reminds I'm quite alive,
and survived I have,
his treacherous thunderclaps,
and his sneaky ways,
my great trickster
(Thunder!)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
July 25, 2017 at 12:39 AM
I can see why this one was selected Keith, a tremendous piece of writing. Congrats!
O.J. Hunt Avatar
July 26, 2017 at 2:15 PM
Thanks Richard, and your confessional poem is more of what's needed in poetry these days:-)
Lamoureux Avatar
July 25, 2017 at 12:40 AM
Thanks for visiting and commenting on my Coffessional poem.
Vaso Avatar
July 9, 2017 at 1:35 AM
I quite enjoyed this poem, on many levels! :)
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 13, 2017 at 6:25 PM
This is quite wonderful Keith! I can remember once screaming at being startled at a clap of thunder overhead in Tampa, Florida while walking down a street there. It was embarrassing, as a few locals laughed at me. It almost never thunders in our rain storms here in Hawaii. Big Congratulations on having this impressive piece honored with POTD! : )
O.J. Hunt Avatar
July 8, 2017 at 11:39 AM
Sorry for the late reply Connie, I've been off the Soup for awhile. Funny story of the Tampa thunder-scare, I can relate since I was there too once and heard its mighty roar! Many thanks for the congrats!:-)
Roper Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 6:52 PM
Congratulations on POTD, Keith.
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 11, 2017 at 8:50 PM
Thanks Eve, it was a great honor:-)
Lindley Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 1:49 PM
SORRY, I FORGOT TO SAY.. Congrats on the fine and well earned POTD HONORS MY FRIEND..
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 6:44 PM
It's all good Robert, I'm honored about POTD:-)
Lindley Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 1:47 PM
Classic verses from a very gifted pen. I loved every word of it with its smooth flow, great depth and imagery.. A true gem and a great fav.... SWEET- "" ' I do not come oft, but I return and weep and growl a lion's roar ' --- I will for a brief moment be as a child and fear again... the cracks and booms rouse my guilt, Telemachus would say the gods were going mad...""
Lindley Avatar
June 11, 2017 at 8:31 PM
You though correctly my friend. I truly enjoyed and marveled his fine piece. Your language usage in free verse is amazing, deep and quite delightful..
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 6:43 PM
Thanks brother, when I finished writing it I thought to myself that 'Robert will like this poem'--- so it must be good enough! God bless, and I hope you enjoy your weekend, I'll spend much of mine reading a little Milton...
Wanter Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 11:28 AM
Really great! Fav and congratulations!
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 6:36 PM
Thanks sunshine, and a million thanks for faving this poem:-)
Sands Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 8:15 AM
Congratulations on this great potd! :)
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 6:35 PM
Thanks Heidi, 'tis a great honour, God bless:-)
May Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 7:21 AM
Well penned Keith..Congrats on POtd....
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 6:32 PM
Thanks Joseph, I appreciate your visit, my first POTD I think:-)
Downing  Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 6:31 AM
Congratulation Keith on your fantabulous potd... hugs :)
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 6:30 PM
Thanks Akkina, such a fantabulous thing to say! Considering your pic, many hugs back:-)! God bless
Andresen Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 3:44 AM
- KEITH :))) - Congratulations ... well deserved :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 11:37 AM
Thanks for your re-visit Anne-Lise, God bless:-)
Neumann Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 2:36 AM
This is beautiful. I like it. Many wishes, Kai
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 11:36 AM
Thanks for your beautiful visit Kai:-)
Downing  Avatar
June 9, 2017 at 2:14 PM
This is epic. Grand write, Keith... I love it :)
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 10:49 AM
Glad you enjoyed Akkina, I appreciate your comments and kind visit;-)
Andresen Avatar
June 9, 2017 at 8:19 AM
- A first class poem like always, Keith (sorry :) - I have to admit that I'm a little afraid of these powerful natural forces - but at the same time it fascinates me - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
O.J. Hunt Avatar
June 9, 2017 at 8:58 AM
Thanks Anne-Lise!
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