We don’t have to be meteorologists to have an interest in
the weather, and we all talk about the weather often enough (for some, it may
be the easiest topic of conversation). Weather certainly happens to all of us,
making it something that all people have in common. Weather may not be the only
determinant for our emotions and moods, but it does seem to play a role, and it
really can affect our thoughts and productivity. People who suffer from
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) experience moods very strongly associated
with the weather. Think about it: how do you feel on a rainy day, on a sunny
day, on a snowy day, and when severe weather is in the forecast?
This year there has been an abundance of rain in my corner
of the world. A hot, humid summer, and days of rain again this week with unseasonably
warm temps, and high humidity (just as I was ready for some crisp, clear autumn
air). With global warming, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods so often in the
news, I thought it might be interesting to write about weather conditions and
how they make us feel. Extending that thought, I wondered how we might use
“weather” to write poems that go beyond the obvious. That’s this week’s challenge!
Suggestions:
Write a poem about a specific event that you associate with a particular weather condition (something that happened during a rainstorm, a snowstorm, a sunny day, or any other weather).
Create symbolic and metaphorical meanings. Write a poem in
which you use “weather” as an extended metaphor.
We’ve all heard the old phrase “weathering a storm.” Think
of “weather” as a verb rather than as a noun. What experiences or “storms” have
you “weathered?” Write a poem not about an actual weather condition but,
rather, about an experience that had a considerable effect on your life
(emotional, spiritual, a trying time, a test of faith, etc.). How did you
“weather" that storm?
Write a poem in which you use weather imagery to set tone
and mood.
Write a poem about a “wind” that blew into your life to
challenge or inspire you.
Write a poem in which you describe the “weather” of your love
life.
Compare yourself (or someone else) to a particular weather
(sunshine, rain, snow, tornado, hurricane, typhoon).
Write a “weather forecast” poem for something in your life
(relationship, job, friendship, etc.).
For an added challenge, write a poem entitled “Whether or
Weather.”
Remember to give your poem room to “breathe,” to go where it
needs to go; and leave some spaces for readers to fill in.
Examples:
