15+ Must-Read Poems about Storm

(15 to start, 25+ to explore)

Poems about storms encapsulate the fierce forces of nature and the emotions they evoke. These verses artfully depict the turbulence of thunder, the relentless rain, and the gusts of wind that stir chaos in the world.

Poets use vivid imagery to illustrate the power of storms, evoking feelings of awe and respect for nature’s might. Beyond the literal portrayal, poems about storms often employ them metaphorically to symbolize personal struggles, internal turmoil, or life’s challenges.

Through their words, these poems may offer insights into finding strength amidst tumultuous times and embracing the cathartic release of weathering life’s storms.

Poem Explorer Poetry Archives

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"> 84/100

Hailstones

by Seamus Heaney

‘Hailstones’ by Seamus Heaney is a thoughtful poem about memory and how one’s history can be seen reflected in the natural world.

The hailstorm serves as the central metaphor in the poem, representing life's unpredictable, challenging moments. The storm's duality, being both disruptive and impossible to ignore, mirrors the dual nature of experiences that can be painful yet deeply fulfulling.

My cheek was hit and hit:

sudden hailstones

pelted and bounced on the road.

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"> 82/100

Porphyria’s Lover

by Robert Browning

‘Porphyria’s Lover,’ opens up with a classic setting of a stormy evening. It is a story of a deranged and lovesick man.

The opening storm reflects the speaker’s turbulent emotional state and sets a Gothic, foreboding atmosphere. Nature mirrors the chaos within the speaker before Porphyria’s arrival seems to calm both the storm and his mind — briefly. The storm externalizes the mental disorder that drives the poem’s climax.

The rain set early in to-night,

The sullen wind was soon awake,

It tore the elm-tops down for spite,

And did its worst to vex the lake:

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The Storm-Wind

by William Barnes

‘The Storm-Wind’ by William Barnes contrasts peace and danger with images of home and a terrifying storm. The poem emphasizes how much easier it is to appreciate the safety of home when the conditions outside are so inhospitable.

The most important topic in this poem is the storm itself. Barnes focuses on the power of the wind, the rushing water, and the way everything outside is shaken and tossed around. The storm shows how nature can suddenly turn wild and dangerous, reminding us of the challenges it can bring to our everyday lives. It makes us appreciate the shelter we have in our homes.

When the swift-rolling brook, swollen deep,

Rushes on by the alders, full speed,

And the wild-blowing winds lowly sweep

O'er the quivering leaf and the weed,

And the willow tree writhes in each limb,

Over sedge-reeds that reel by the brim —

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A drop fell on the apple tree

by Emily Dickinson

‘A drop fell on the apple tree’ by Emily Dickinson is filled with joy. It describes, with Dickinson’s classic skill, images of the summer season and how a storm can influence it.

The storm appears to come on slowly, with individual drops of rain falling in the early stanzas. However it soon becomes a torrent that is accompanied by significant winds. Ultimately, the poem suggests we have nothing to fear from such weather events. Rather we should embrace them for their beauty and vitality.

A drop fell on the apple tree

Another on the roof;

A half a dozen kissed the eaves,

And made the gables laugh.

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Storm Warnings

by Adrienne Rich

‘Storm Warnings’ by Adrienne Rich draws attention to the turbulence brewing, from the perspective of a worried resident.

Storm, unrest, and conflict are the topics looked into in Adrienne Rich's ‘Storm Warnings.’ The issues are addressed in such a way that there is no second-guessing what message is intended to be passed across. The poem warns about a storm, something dark and sinister brewing. This is the major topic of the poem, and the poet does a very good job in this aspect.

This is our sole defense against the season;

These are the things we have learned to do

Who live in troubled regions.

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Photograph: Ice Storm, 1971

by Natasha Trethewey

‘Photograph: Ice Storm, 1971’ sees the poet looking at an old photograph and remembering both the good and the bad memories.

The ice storm is the motivation for the photograph to be taken. The poet is now looking at the photograph and remembering the storm. They can see both the beauty of the storm and remember how excited they felt when they saw the effect that it had on the landscape, while also remembering just how devastating it was.

Why the rough edge of beauty? Why

the tired face of a woman, suffering,

made luminous by the camera’s eye?

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Part I: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a lyrical ballad narrated by an old sailor about a mysterious sea journey.

The storm in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' symbolizes chaos and destruction. It marks the start of the Mariner’s troubles, as his ship is violently thrown off course. The storm is described as a powerful force that controls their fate, showing that nature is stronger than humans. It also represents the Mariner’s inner turmoil, as his journey becomes a nightmare after his reckless action against the albatross.

He holds him with his glittering eye—

The Wedding-Guest stood still,

And listens like a three years' child:

The Mariner hath his will.

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A Thunderstorm In Town

by Thomas Hardy

‘A Thunderstorm In Town’ by Thomas Hardy presents two contrasting scenes: the dry interior of a carriage and the havoc of a thunderstorm outside. But the powerful imagery and symbolism mainly illustrate a memory of lovelorn regret by the speaker.

The thunderstorm is also a central topic, providing the circumstances for the intimate encounter. But it could also be seen as symbolic of the turmoil encountered in life or even as a visual representation of the chaos going on inside the speaker as they wrestle with whether or not to kiss the woman.

She wore a 'terra-cotta' dress,

And we stayed, because of the pelting storm,

Within the hansom's dry recess,

Though the horse had stopped; yea, motionless

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Storm Fear

by Robert Frost

‘Storm Fear’ by Robert Frost is a memorable poem. In it, the speaker describes hiding inside his home, trying to protect his family from a storm.

The storm in the poem represents both a literal force and a symbol of life’s unpredictable challenges. Its wild and uncontrollable nature mirrors the obstacles people face that are beyond their control. The storm’s power makes the family feel small and vulnerable, reminding us how overwhelming and indifferent nature can be, and how sometimes, we can only hope to endure.

When the wind works against us in the dark,

And pelts the snow

The lower chamber window on the east,

And whispers with a sort of stifled bark,

#10

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To Winter

by William Blake

‘To Winter’ by William Blake depicts the horror that the coming winter season can bring along with its devastation. There is nothing one can do to stop it, the poet admits.

The poem describes winter as a force that moves like a great storm, bringing chaos and destruction. The storms are described as unchained, making them sound wild and uncontrollable. This reflects how storms in nature, just like storms in life, can appear suddenly and create hardship. However, storms do not last forever, and even the most violent ones eventually pass, leaving behind calm and renewal.

O Winter! bar thine adamantine doors:

The north is thine; there hast thou built thy dark

Deep-founded habitation. Shake not thy roofs

Nor bend thy pillars with thine iron car.

#11

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A jag of lightning

by Matsuo Bashō

‘A jag of lightning’ by Matsuo Bashō is a beautiful and interesting poem that describes lightning and a heron’s scream.

The poem hints at the presence of a storm through the reference to lightning. Storms are often associated with power, turbulence, and transformation. The poem captures a singular moment within the storm, emphasizing the intensity of these elemental forces.

A jag of lightning--

Then, flitting toward the darkness,

A night heron's scream.

#12

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Night Shift

by Edward Dyson

‘Night Shift’ by Edward Dyson is a poem that examines the harsh living conditions of Australian miners in the nineteenth century.

The storm in this poem provides a grim backdrop to the men's complaining. For much of the poem, it seems as though this will be the main purpose of the storm. However, right at the end, the storm kills a man. This shows just how dangerous their lives were when they worked at the mine.

‘Hello! that's the whistle, be moving.

Wake up! don't lie muttering there.

What language! your style is improving -

It's pleasant to hear you at prayer.

#13

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The North Wind Doth Blow

by Anonymous

‘The North Wind Doth Blow,’ also sometimes known as ‘The Robin,’ is a short English nursery rhyme that may date as far back as 16th century England.

The poem suggests a winter storm is approaching, with the north wind blowing and snow falling. This creates a sense of urgency for the robin, which must find shelter to survive. The storm symbolizes the challenges animals face when nature becomes harsh and dangerous, and it helps create a feeling of concern for the robin’s survival during the cold weather.

The North wind doth blow and we shall have snow,

And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?

He’ll sit in a barn and keep himself warm

and hide his head under his wing, poor thing.

#14

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Heaven-Haven: A Nun Takes the Veil

by Gerard Manley Hopkins

IN ‘Heaven-Haven: A Nun Takes the Veil’ the speaker yearns for a tranquil sanctuary, free from life’s storms, desiring a realm of eternal springs and serene beauty.

This poem perceives the topic of storms as representing the adversities and challenges of human existence. The desire to be in a place where no storms come signifies a longing for a sanctuary free from the turmoil and hardships faced by humanity, evoking a sense of seeking refuge and tranquility.

I have desired to go

Where springs not fail,

To fields where flies no sharp and sided hail

And a few lilies blow.

#15

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Elegy For The Native Guards

by Natasha Trethewey

‘Elegy for the Native Guards’ sees the poet remembering a visit to Ship Island as she considers the Civil War dead.

The storm, Hurricane Camille, damaged the island significantly. The power of nature is demonstrated here, and the poet sees the damage that it has done.

We leave Gulfport at noon; gulls overhead

trailing the boat—streamers, noisy fanfare—

all the way to Ship Island. What we see

first is the fort, its roof of grass, a lee—

Home » Collection » Poems about Storm

15+ Must-Read Poems about Storm

(15 to start, 25+ to explore)

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15+ Must-Read Poems about Storm

(15 to start, 25+ to explore)

by Seamus Heaney

by Robert Browning

by William Barnes

by Emily Dickinson

by Adrienne Rich

by Natasha Trethewey

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

by Thomas Hardy

by Robert Frost

by William Blake

by Matsuo Bashō

by Edward Dyson

by Anonymous

by Gerard Manley Hopkins

by Natasha Trethewey

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