African Thunderstorm David Rubadiri

About: The poem describes a typical African thunderstorm, with all its intensity. In African society, rain is a blessing; everything loves the approach of rain, not just children. It is good for the crops and the animals, as it increases the harvest. However, when we read this poem, we don’t get the feeling that the author is happy; he concentrates on telling us about the damage that the rain and wind do. For example a plague of locusts is never a good thing, at least for the crops. It calls attention because the poet uses this simile while referring to the wind that brings rain, a good thing.

Colonialism? It is possible to interpret the poem as the effect of colonial domination on the native land. The time that the poet has lived- his country got independent in the early 1960’s- can be convincing.  At least he was familiar with that part of the history of his country. It also alludes to domination by such words as “trees bend to let the wind pass”, “clouds ride stately on the back of the wind”. The tattered flags have a nationalistic connotation.

Questions: 1. Identify the two similes used in stanza 1. ‘Like a plague of locusts’ and ‘Like a madman chasing nothing.’ 2. Why are the clouds described as “pregnant” in stanza 2? The clouds are heavy with rain, comparing the clouds, using a metaphor, to a pregnant woman who is ready to give birth.

3. Comment on the use of the word “stately” in line 10. ‘Stately’ can be seen as something that is splendid, grand, dignified. The poet portrays the clouds as if they are somewhat seen as royalty, being carried to the position where the clouds will make their appearance. 4. Quote two consecutive words in stanza 2 that suggest that the thunderstorm might be dangerous. ‘sinister dark’

5. Explain why this thunderstorm might not be as welcome to the villagers. Firstly the lightning brings fire to a nearby field, and with that brings a danger to the surrounding huts and people living there. 6. In line 24, alliteration is used. Write down the line and indicate the alliteration and also comment on its effectiveness. ‘The wind whistles’. Its effectiveness is that the alliteration creates a sound device that the poet uses in order to create the sound of the wind as it passes through the trees.