I wrote my poem NIMBOSTRATUS, KNIGHT OF NATURE’S WRATH for Sadje’s #WDYS  #178 Photo Prompt. The poem is in the acrostic poetry form. This is my second effort at writing in this style (I wrote my first acrostic poetry attempt NOVEMBER last November).

The prompt also inspired me to paint the illustration. The poem expresses to some extent my fear of Global Warming’s imminent threat to the planet. With a merciless, unremitting sun burning us up. Last year in London temperatures reached a record 40°. Scientists released a recent report stating that “the Earth is on a perilous brink, and it is urgent to take immediate action—if not, it will be too late.”

Nimbostratus, Knight of Nature’s Wrath

Nimbostratus, the Black Knight of nature’s wrath, darkened his mood. 
In lowering skies, his leaden cowl hood and cloak (red satin lined) billowed behind. 
Mad as Hades, he flies like the wind; swooping fast!—sighing through the sky
By the enemy aghast! 
Over the sea; in rain-filled fury to fight—to revoke the cause.  
Showing no mercy; no pause; shrouds the molten heart of daylight in one—
Terrible cloud of devouring 
Reddening rage
Anger and courage, in shades and hues of overcast 
The bold knight subdues the flaming foundry at last.
Undefeated. He has won; against the scorching scourge of the 
Sun.


Lesley Scoble, March, 2023

A little bit about…

Nimbostratus Clouds v Cumulonimbus Clouds

Nimbostratus clouds are low level, grey, and often appear as ominous dark clouds that are most associated with steady rainfall or snowfall. They form when warm, moist air rises and cools, causing the water vapour in the air to condense into cloud droplets. Nimbostratus clouds can be quite thick and obscure the sun or moon. The dark clouds are visible at the head of a warm front, which brings prolonged periods of precipitation. 

It is rare for Nimbostratus clouds to produce thunder and lightning. They are more associated with steady rainfall or snowfall. Strong updrafts and downdrafts are necessary for thunderstorms to form. Therefore, if you like a good old thunderstorm, it is the Cumulonimbus clouds you want. They can deliver the dramatic, thunderous sound and electrifying light-show. The cumulonimbus clouds are tall, dense, and vertical, formed by strong updrafts of warm, moist air. The thunder and lightning are because of the buildup of electrical charges within the cloud. These charges generate collision of water droplets, ice particles, and other particles within the cloud, and can discharge as lightning. Cumulonimbus clouds are often associated with heavy rain, hail, strong winds, and tornadoes, and known as thunderstorm clouds. Wow! I want cumulonimbus clouds! I love thunderstorms. 

Acrostic Poetry

The beginning letter of each line spells out a word, or a phrase. You read the word (or phrase) downward along the vertical edge. The word or phrase is a clue to the poem’s theme or subject. It also serves as a constraint for the poet, forcing creative control in their word choice for each line. 

Here is an example of acrostic poetry from a favourite poet, Edgar Allen Poe:

An Acrostic 

Elizabeth, it is in vain you say
"Love not" — thou sayest it in so sweet a way:
In vain those words from thee or L. E. L.
Zantippe's talents had enforced so well:
Ah! if that language from thy heart arise,
Breath it less gently forth — and veil thine eyes.
Endymion, recollect, when Luna tried
To cure his love — was cured of all beside —
His follie — pride — and passion — for he died.

Edgar Allen Poe

Acrostic poetry has been around for centuries, and many poets throughout history have used this form to great effect, including the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as modern poets such as Edgar Allan Poe, Lewis Carroll, and Sylvia Plath

Acknowledgement and Thanks
Thank you, Sadje, and your #WhatDoYouSee Poetry Prompt for inspiring me. 🌹

Image Credits
#WDYS Poetry Prompt Photo: Johannes Plenio @ Unsplash
Nimbostratus, Knight of Nature’s Wrath | Artwork©️Lesley Scoble