Hear the Thunder

 

I often wonder, as I hear the thunder, What it sounds like, from deep down under..

For in the skies, and on the plains, it sounds to me, like roaring trains.

To many, we call it God's grumble, for others, considered a murky mumble..

It can be soft, or even loud, It comes from up on high, a clear or darkened sky.

From down below, even deep down under, if you hear it, you need not wonder..

For if you listen, you need not fear it, It's a message from our Great Spirit.

©LaPoint,F. 2005 

Summary

The poem reflects on the sound of thunder from various perspectives, pondering its nature and the feelings it evokes. The speaker compares thunder to roaring trains and describes how different people interpret its sound—some see it as “God’s grumble,” while others hear a “murky mumble.” The thunder’s volume varies, coming from high skies with either clear or darkened clouds. Despite its potentially intimidating presence, the poem assures that thunder is not something to fear but rather a meaningful message from a higher, spiritual force described as the Great Spirit.

Highlights

⚡ The poem explores the mysterious and powerful nature of thunder.

🌩 Thunder is likened to roaring trains, illustrating its loud, powerful sound.

🙏 Thunder is perceived spiritually as a “God’s grumble” or a message from the Great Spirit.

🌥 The sound varies, sometimes soft and sometimes loud, linked to the sky’s mood.

👂 Encourages active listening to understand thunder, rather than fearing it.

🌍 Presents thunder as a universal natural phenomenon with deep cultural and spiritual significance.

💬 Emphasizes the connection between natural occurrences and spiritual belief systems.

Key Insights

⚡ Thunder as a natural and spiritual phenomenon: The poem blends scientific observation and spirituality, highlighting how natural events like thunder resonate beyond their physical occurrence, affecting human culture and spirituality. This duality enriches the understanding of nature’s power as both a physical force and a symbol of divine communication.

🌩 Auditory imagery creates vivid experience: By describing thunder as “roaring trains,” the author uses vivid auditory imagery that captures the intensity and overwhelming nature of thunder. This metaphor makes the idea tangible, fostering a deeper sensory connection for the reader.

🙏 Cultural interpretations influence perception: Referring to thunder as “God’s grumble” or a “murky mumble” reflects how different cultures or individuals assign meaning to natural phenomena. This highlights the human tendency to interpret nature through spiritual or mythological frameworks, shaping their emotional response to it.

🌥 Variability of thunder’s sound mirrors the sky’s state: The poem notes that the thunder’s loudness depends on atmospheric conditions (“a clear or darkened sky”), signaling the interconnectedness between weather patterns and natural soundscapes. This insight suggests how closely natural phenomena are woven together in the environment.

👂 Listening reduces fear: The poem’s reassurance to “listen” rather than “fear” emphasizes the importance of understanding and awareness. It suggests that knowledge and openness to natural occurrences can transform fear into appreciation, promoting harmony between humans and nature.

🌍 Universal nature of thunder as a shared experience: The poem’s references to hearing thunder “from deep down under” and “from up on high” portray thunder as a global event, uniting people through a common natural experience, despite varying interpretations. This universality can foster a sense of connection and shared wonder.

💬 Natural events as messages from the Divine: The closing line, presenting thunder as a message from the Great Spirit, indicates the enduring human practice of seeking meaning in nature. This underscores how natural phenomena are frequently viewed as communications from a higher power, reinforcing spirituality’s enduring role in human life.