A Summer Storm (Poem by Duncan Campbell Scott)

A Summer Storm

By Duncan Campbell Scott

Last night a storm fell on the world

    From heights of drouth and heat,

The surly clouds for weeks were furled,

    The air could only sway and beat,

The beetles clattered at the blind,

    The hawks fell twanging from the sky,

The west unrolled a feathery wind,

    And the night fell sullenly.

The storm leaped roaring from its lair,

    Like the shadow of doom,

The poignard lightning searched the air,

    The thunder ripped the shattered gloom,

The rain came down with a roar like fire,

    Full-voiced and clamorous and deep,

The weary world had its heart’s desire,

    And fell asleep.

And now in the morning early,

    The clouds are sailing by

Clearly, oh! so clearly,

    The distant mountains lie.

The wind is very mild and slow,

    The clouds obey his will,

They part and part and onward go,

    Travelling together still.

'Tis very sweet to be alive,

    On a morning that’s so fair,

For nothing seems to stir or strive,

    In the unconscious air.

A tawny thrush is in the wood,

    Ringing so wild and free;

Only one bird has a blither mood,

    The white-throat on the tree.

Poem Analysis:

Duncan Campbell Scott's poem "A Summer Storm" vividly captures the dramatic and transformative impact of a storm on the natural world. Through rich imagery and evocative language, Scott explores the contrast between the fury of the storm and the tranquility that follows, highlighting the rejuvenating power of nature.

The Fury of the Storm: The poem begins with a vivid description of the storm's arrival, painting a picture of relentless heat and drought that precedes it. Scott personifies the storm as a formidable force, "roaring from its lair" and unleashing its fury upon the world. The imagery of "poignard lightning" and "shattered gloom" creates a sense of chaos and upheaval, emphasizing the storm's destructive power.

The Rejuvenation of the Earth: As the storm rages on, the earth receives much-needed relief from the oppressive heat. The rain, described as "full-voiced and clamorous," brings nourishment and renewal to the parched landscape. Scott portrays the world as weary yet longing for respite, and the storm provides the release it craves. The imagery of the world falling asleep suggests a sense of peace and restoration after the tumult of the storm.

The Tranquil Morning After: In the aftermath of the storm, Scott paints a serene picture of the morning landscape. The clouds, once dark and menacing, now glide peacefully across the sky. The wind, which previously raged with fury, is now mild and gentle, guiding the clouds on their journey. The sense of calm and stillness that pervades the scene reflects the transformative power of nature to bring balance and harmony to the world.

The Joy of Being Alive: The poem concludes with a celebration of life and the beauty of the natural world. Scott revels in the tranquility of the morning, where even the smallest creatures, like the tawny thrush and the white-throat bird, express their joy through song. The poem conveys a profound appreciation for the simple pleasures of existence and the interconnectedness of all living beings within the natural world.

Duncan Campbell Scott's "A Summer Storm" offers a compelling exploration of the dynamic relationship between humanity and nature. Through the lens of a powerful storm and its aftermath, Scott reveals nature's capacity for both destruction and renewal. The poem serves as a testament to the resilience of the natural world and the transformative power of its beauty and majesty.