A Sudden Storm - 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 parent run,

Pressed with a thousand minor cares,

Hey, you there! Pack up the house wares, 

And where on earth is my son?

Home skip the little children;

Where have you been you naughty boy? 

But the child feels nothing but joy,

For he loves the approach of rain.

The streets clear; the houses fill,

The noise gathers as the children shout

To rival the raging wind without,

And naught that can move is still.

A bright flash, a lighted plane,

Then from the once blue heavens,

Accompanied by noise that deafens.

Steadily pours the rain.

---

Pius Oleghe (20th century) Nigeria

Source: The Celebration of Nature by East African Poets: A Focus on Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Jedidah Kibutu, MA Thesis, University of Nairobi, 2012