Summary

The poem "Encroaching" depicts a poet's futile attempt to confront the overwhelming force of a thunderstorm, symbolizing a deeper struggle with fear and the power of nature.

Abstract

The poem "Encroaching" by Camille Fairbanks captures the tension between a poet's determination to face an approaching thunderstorm and the subsequent realization of nature's overpowering force. The sky transitions from an innocuous white to an ominous grey, with dark swirls advancing menacingly. The poet initially attempts to stand firm, broadcasting a message of defiance and invulnerability to the storm. However, the storm's response is visceral and terrifying, as it tears through the sky and the poet's resolve, leaving them in a state of humility and awe. The poem concludes with the poet retreating, acknowledging the bitter taste of defeat against the raw power of nature.

Opinions

The poet expresses a profound, primal fear in the face of the storm's approach.
There is a sense of defiance against the storm, as the poet tries to telepathically communicate invulnerability.
The storm is personified as a malevolent force, intentionally threatening and overpowering the poet.
The poet ultimately feels humbled by the storm, experiencing a taste of 'Nature's bitter humble pie.'
The poem conveys the overwhelming might of nature compared to human bravado and attempts at control.

Encroaching

A poet’s failed attempt to stare down a thunderstorm

Photo Courtesy of Camille Fairbanks (Author)

The sky is white,

An innocent blanket hung as the backdrop

But the angry grey encroaches.

Swirls of charcoal and smoke

Claw their way across the sky.

Silently at first,

Hand over hand they make their way toward me.

I feel the energy in the pit of my core,

Profound primal terror.

Maleficence is coming to overtake me

And strike me down.

I defy it.

I stand my ground.

You won’t hurt me

I broadcast telepathically,

With calm certainty.

Grinning through crooked teeth

It answers

Flashing its whip,

Breaking the sky,

Ripping into my soul,

And crackling my bones.

I walk first and then run as it repeats its promise.

I cower inside

Tasting Nature’s bitter humble pie.