INTRODUCTION

· Rubadiri’s poem captures the looming arrival of a fierce

storm. The anticipation of its arrival is both exciting and
frightening. The wind is described as a mighty force,
unpredictable in its direction, and carrying with it
ominous clouds. The strength of the wind seems to
suggest that worse is to follow once the storm hits.
 LINES 1 - 4

The storm seems to originate from the West.

May have implications for colonial occupation.
The storm is erratic and creates confusion.
 Lines 5 - 8

The storm is compared to a plague of locusts

bringing destruction under the guise of something
positive.
The comparison to a madman also creates the sense
of erratic, disturbing and unpredictable behaviour.
 Lines 9 - 12

The dark clouds provide the expectation of

something
It should bring something welcoming (rain/water)
But, these clouds are sinister like some evil creature
bringing something evil/negative..
 Lines 13 - 14

The intensity of the storm increases

It appears as if nature itself has submitted to the
power of the storm.
Bowing to let it pass.
 Lines 15 - 18

The children scream in delight at the storm as the

storm intensifies some more
More confusion created mixed with panic.
 Lines 19 - 25

The vulnerability of the inhabitants becomes clear

The babies are exposed to the storm and
Once again the environments submission to the
storm is revealed.
 Lines 26 - 28

The clothes , the protection against the elements are

tattered and useless against the power of the
storm.
The nakedness of the woman reveal how vulnerable
they are.
 Lines 29 - 32

The intense sound of the storrn is now apparent.

The rumble, trmble, crack could also describe
cannon fire, gun fire, etc.
The word ‘march’ suggests an incursion of some
powerful force that wreaks havoc on an indigenous
land.