Home » Poems » Connie Marcum Wong » To Tame the Tempest

To Tame the Tempest

They know how to press those buttons, With just a familiar chosen word or two, How to enrage one's spirit with a tone, A glance sharp enough to pierce the skin. A will that screams, I am better than you, Stronger, louder...how they deftly dominate. Sometimes a controlled backfire is needed To control the intensity of growing flames. A tempest tipped to dissipate, to drown itself In blending the cold air with welcome warmth As atmospheres of milder temperatures prevail, Mildly melding together, creating a balmy breeze. © Connie Marcum Wong Note: Those couples who argue and make up will relate to the metaphors used in this poem. A definition of *backfire is for those from other countries. NORTH AMERICAN *backfire: a fire set intentionally to arrest the progress of an approaching fire by creating a burned area in its path, thus depriving the fire of fuel.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Ricky Muse

Date: 2/11/2018 3:15:00 AM

I've always felt that irony is the monosodium glutamate (MSG) of writing. Irony makes your writing taste better and this poem is a classic example of that.

Caycay Jennings

Date: 11/12/2017 9:44:00 PM

I read it a 2nd time and heard myself say aloud, 'you go girl.'

Caycay Jennings

Date: 11/12/2017 9:42:00 PM

What a great use of metaphors and bold, the bold aided the discord in flying off the screen at me. I felt this poem, it is more than clever and dramatic, it is clever and dramatic undeniably holding sad and realistic. YO. I was going to direct you to one of mine on this subject, but I have no idea what it is called! Laugh. I figure this is where I dropped off Soup, so this is the date I drop in to begin ... I don't want to miss a thing. Good to be here with you, sweet friend

Afzal Nusker

Date: 5/15/2017 11:08:00 PM

Great use of metaphors with wonderful descriptions in this poem. A gem. 7+++

David Smith

Date: 5/10/2017 9:45:00 PM

So true Connie. You understand how we sometimes have to draw lines in the sand and except that there will be risks in this but that the rewards mostly outweigh the definite consequences of letting things escelate further. A 6.9 from me. Glad to see you have your own writing style. Hope you have more work in you. Regards David in NZ

Miraj Raha

Date: 4/21/2017 1:09:00 AM

GOddamn this is brilliant!!!I could so easily apply this to the growing conflict of countries.And yes sometimes backfire is needed. This is a gem Connie.

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/21/2017 4:04:00 AM

You made me smile Miraj! You are absolutely right. Isn't fighting fire with fire what they always want to do? Thank you so much for the encouragement. ; )

John Michaels

Date: 4/17/2017 5:19:00 AM

This is a very powerful piece, Connie. The great imagery, clever metaphors and subtle alliteration convey your message beautifully. Regards, John.

Judy Ball

Date: 4/11/2017 12:22:00 AM

Yes indeed sometimes the more we try to cool things off and quench the blaze the hotter it gets so we have to fight fire with fire. It's almost funny the way they will back down when they see they've gone too far. I like to quietly bide my time and let them hang themselves. Eventually they usually do. A great write. Well done Connie. God Bless, JB

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/17/2017 6:13:00 PM

You are exactly right Judy. I had to smile at your reply. Silence works much better to restore harmony. Thank you Judy.: )

Eve Roper

Date: 4/10/2017 9:03:00 PM

Wow! The imagery is magnificent , well do I know this and more since my hubby has is been ill !!!

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/10/2017 11:42:00 PM

That'll do it Eve. : ) it is a full moon so be aware, tempers sometimes flair. My hubby is doing fine right now.Thank you Eve.

Lisa Ricci

Date: 4/10/2017 10:38:00 AM

Hello Connie. Your words are well understood. Allow me to let your words stand. Well done entirely.

Joanna Daniel

Date: 4/5/2017 10:07:00 AM

A deep write, Connie, great use of the metaphor of tempest and fire:) love your alliteration too:) most definitely a 10 from me:)

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 4/2/2017 11:49:00 PM

A great poem, Connie! The depth of thought/simplicity of expression is phenomenal. Your pen is truly gifted and blessed. Such an insightful work of poetry. Ty for the added understanding. I would nominate this for POTY. Double 7 and a fave for sure. Love always, my dear friend.

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/3/2017 6:28:00 AM

Wow Freddie, I am stunned that you like this poem so much. Thank you so much for the accolades and the high rating and especially the fave! You are too kind. Blessings, Connie

Phillip Garcia

Date: 4/2/2017 1:24:00 PM

This has been faved, and so has your subsequent posting. I've faved a total of 7 poems in the last 10 months, including these 2.

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/2/2017 4:43:00 PM

I am such a fan of your poetry Phillip and I am truly honored that you like my poetry enough to fave so many. Thank you so much my friend. ; )

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 4/1/2017 8:03:00 PM

I was SO busy today and still have no time to catch up here but was glad to see this poem. SEVEN

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 4/1/2017 8:02:00 PM

A lovely job with metaphors, dear. so glad you liked my contest poem but that judge does not normally like my stuff. I won't hold my breath on getting a win but I will post the poem at PFT. guess what, connie. I got "mandeled" today. Yep, bed was changed to couch. I saw it with my own eyes and then today it went back to being bed. (in New testament) I was telling people about it and now I get to look the fool. Geeez!! Is that one that you had ever looked up. Now it has been made right again.

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/1/2017 9:53:00 PM

I saw it as couch in the KJV. But haven't looked it up lately. I am still rolling over with the word "matrix" I read myself. It is in there. I hope they change wolf back to lamb. If they do that, I will quit complaining. Thanks ; )

Vladislav Raven

Date: 4/1/2017 2:08:00 PM

Hi Connie, an excellent write from your pen once more. Emotions flowing through your words as they flow down the page. I love the content of the work, the reality that jumps out from the piece. I always feel the emotions of your work, this write is no exception. Glad i dropped by this evening. Hugs....Mike. XX This has to be a seven and a fave,

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/2/2017 4:41:00 PM

When you are married to a polar opposite there are bound to be fireworks yet there are just as many fireworks of passion. Thank you very much Mike. I appreciate your thoughtful comment. ; )

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 4/1/2017 2:05:00 PM

The greatest pain some of us endure comes from the person we love most. For each person who engages in "domination," there is another person mired in submission. Love the way you describe the need for a "controlled backfire" to bring about harmony again. Excellent writing, Connie. Always a 7 for you. (I've been meaning to tell you that you look like my sister in your photo.) Have a wonderful Easter!

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/1/2017 5:41:00 PM

Thank you Carolyn. I am a peacemaker in our family and I really dislike having to argue, but I am married to my polar opposite so it is unavoidable at times. Thank you so much for your nice comment. I hope you're well and I wish you a very happy Easter! : )

Emile Pinet

Date: 4/1/2017 1:25:00 PM

Your use of colorful familiar images adds to the charm and the depth of this work. I felt the words as well as read them and they are powerful, Great Job! Emile.

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/1/2017 5:33:00 PM

Thank you Emile. You have such a great understanding of everyone's work. Easter blessings, Connie ; )

Paul Callus

Date: 3/31/2017 3:17:00 PM

Some arguments just cannot be avoided, especially when they are part and parcel of dialogue. I love the backfire metaphor and the overall wisdom of this poem, Connie. ~ Regards // paul

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/1/2017 5:32:00 PM

Well I have come to realize that sometimes fighting fire with fire is the only resolve. It gives my husband a pressure release and then things change for the better. Usually I remove myself until things calm down. You do whatever works. Thank you Paul : )

Tim Smith

Date: 3/31/2017 7:44:00 AM

I never enjoy fighting but for some couples it works...Lovely Connie

Chris Green

Date: 3/31/2017 6:41:00 AM

I believe many, many people will relate to this wonderfully expressed poem Connie. I for one hate to argue, I see no sense in it, but it does happen and I love the metaphor of the back fire. It makes perfect sense to me.

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 4/1/2017 5:28:00 PM

I hate to argue too. I am the peacemaker in this family but sometimes I must speak up for myself and it seems to work. Thank you Chris. : )

Joseph May

Date: 3/31/2017 12:21:00 AM

Ahh.. the games that people play, that balmy breeze may be all too brief..A7

Lynn Marie

Date: 3/30/2017 9:04:00 PM

The 'button pushing' is so hurtful. I thought we are to encourage, praise and celebrate our loved ones. I love the fierce tone and bold print of your words, it increases the emotions. The last two lines are beautiful and calming. The title is fantastic and sets the mood. This is a great write Connie :-) 7 lynnxxx I appreciate the notes helping us to understand and learn. thank you :-)

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/30/2017 10:34:00 PM

Thank you Lynn. After 35 years together, we get over our differences quickly most of the time. They usually happen when we are not feeling well. He always brings me flowers and a favorite dish, his way of an apology. We are both passionate people that are bound to clash at times. Nothing serious. Easter Blessings, Connie : )

Agnes Krampe

Date: 3/30/2017 8:50:00 PM

soup mail

Agnes Krampe

Date: 3/30/2017 8:47:00 PM

Love this, Connie. I am fortunate and don't argue with my husband - it sounds exhausting.