Thunder

The distant rumble is a cat’s purr
until, summoned by lightning, it crosses

space and clouds collide, resonating
like heavy metal.

It’s a nursery rhyme: I hear thunder;
hark don’t you?

Thunder is an echo with no content
until clouds break and rain falls.

It’s the growl of a bass drum
before the pitter-patter percussion of raindrops.

Thunder is gunmetal grey.
It’s relief on a steaming summer’s day.

Kim M. Russell, 8th July 2026

Image by Steve Gribble on Unsplash

I so enjoyed Marilyn’s poem inspired by Denise’s Six Sentence Story Prompt that I thought I’d take a look and have a go. There is “no forced switch to another format in order to participate.” The prompt word, ‘thunder’ was given last Sunday, “to use in a story, next scene, soc or portion of poetry in exactly 6 sentences.” The rules are easy to follow: Write 6 Sentences. No more. No less.

Also linked to Sherry’s open link at What’s Going On?

43 thoughts on “Thunder”

  1. Love this: ‘growl of a bass drum’ so true.

    By the way, Wednesday night about 11pm the InLinkz goes live — link up so everyone can read your lovely poem! ❤️

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  7. I resonate with this poem so much, especially your closing lines. They took me back to a gunmet afternoon in high summer just before the thunder, lightning and then the welcome rain. My grandma and I loved a good thunderstorm.

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  9. I love that sheer power and relief that only Nature has and which is so beautifully captivated in your lines, Kim. “It’s the growl of a bass drum / before the pitter-patter percussion of raindrops.” Heavenly music, this is.

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  13. I like the musical references to the storm. Your adorable grandmother saving her threepences for your coach ride to the seaside moved me greatly. We were lucky to have people like this in our lives……Rall

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  16. Thunder is an echo with no content
    until clouds break and rain falls.

    Absolutely true Kim! What follows may make life more interesting! It shows in your lines beautifully!

    Hank

    Liked by 1 person

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