The Storm Poem by Rotimi Jaiyesimi

The clouds became darker
And the winds blew heavier
The air was filled with cyclones of dust
While trees rocked to the bases of their trunk
Doors and windows went banging
And the leaves danced to the tune of the wind
The skies were filled with birds
Dogs and lizards fled for shelter
Market women hurriedly packed up stalls
Men and children ran to beat the rain

Down came the rains
Beating roof tops heavily
Sweet music to my ears
The silvery coloured lightning gleamed in the sky
And the light flapped over the huts
Fainting shouts of children playing in the rain
Could be heard
Deafening thunder blasts were returned with
Loud shouts from children
What a beautiful day

--
(Ibadan, Nigeria,1973)