Thursday, December 18, 2014

Rain over Vietnam--By Paul Callus--Malta

Rain over Vietnam 

There is the calm before the rain
It’s almost silent all around
The clouds expectant in the sky
Foreboding birds are homeward bound.

The soldiers stare at looming clouds
There is the calm before the rain
And yet there’s tension in the air
Will all this waiting be in vain?

They know the feeling well enough
The sun gets left out in the cold
There is the calm before the rain
They have to be prepared and bold.

The sound of planes will soon be heard
Torrential bombs will fall again
But ‘til the heavens burst in floods
There is the calm before the rain.

Inspired by the song “Have you ever seen the rain?”
Sung by Credence Clearwater Revival.
With underlying reference to the Vietnam War.


Paul Callus is a Maltese author who writes both in Maltese and English. He has contributed to several anthologies. Apart from poetry he writes lyrics for songs and has published two books, one a story book aimed at children (related to his experience as a teacher) and a historical book based on research.

16 comments:

  1. I truly love the way you write Paul. You express the contrast of beauty with the angst of war taking one's emotions along for the rollercoaster ride. This poem is one of the most beautiful I have read on these Whisper's pages! Blessings for a beautiful holiday, Connie

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    1. Thank you very much Connie! Your insightful comments are both lovely and encouraging. You are too kind:) May you have a joyous festive season. // paul

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  2. I love "the sun gets left out in the cold." More importantly, Paul, I appreciate how you were able to respond to a song with *lyrics* and a definite style with a poem that is all your own.

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    1. And I love your lovely comments, too, Marianne! Thank you very much. // paul

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    1. Pleased that you enjoyed, Terry; many thanks for the 'splendid' comment! // paul

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  4. Paul,
    I am not familiar with the song, but I think you did a fine job on this poem!
    Your friend,
    David Fox

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    1. Thank you for reading and enjoying, David. The song goes back several years, but it's available on you tube. All the best for Christmas and the new year. // paul

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  5. Paul,

    Thanks for the visits to my page..I appreciate you reading and taking time to comment..I wish you a very merry Christmas..

    Sara

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    1. Thank you Sara. I enjoy reading your poetry, that's why you find me knocking at your door! Hope you had a joyous Christmas and may you have a happy and rewarding new year. God bless. // paul

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  6. Thank you, Gerald Heyder, for the following--

    Dear Paul--The US picked up where the French left off, that war accomplished nothing! I'm not a Vietnam Bet, but I'm and ex-GI who served my hitch during that era. Enough said.

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    1. Thank you Gerald. The Vietnam War left many people disillusioned; others physically / mentally handicapped. Many scars still exist. // paul

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  7. Thank you, Eleanor Michael, for the following--

    Do I recognize a form, but not remember its name? Repeated, traveling line. The last verse/stanza seems to show the other side. The sense of waiting is strong throughout. My son says he has the song on 33. --Eleanor

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    1. Thank you for stopping by to read Eleanor, and for your comments. Yes, you are right; there is a form here....it's a Quatern. All the best. // paul

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  8. Thank you, John Polselli, for the following--

    A powerful message poem that is a haunting metaphor. Chilling and well done, Paul.

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  9. Thank you John for the insightful comments. All the best. // paul

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