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A Rattling Rhyme

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St. Elmo's Fire 'Twas a fall eve on our flight to the coast Dressed in my livery this journey I'd host. A storm was predicted, we would fly 'round With instrument help from cockpit to ground. No form of the storm yet could be seen Our 747 flew like a queen. Suddenly arose the storm we would fight It was going to be a bumpy night! As turbulence began rocking our plane Cans and bottles fell again and again. I tried to secure my cart on its tie Withholding some fear, I won't tell a lie. Captain announced for us to be seated His urgent tone need not be repeated. The lightning storm caused us to fly higher, Cockpit windows glowed with St. Elmo's fire. The contrast between bright white and deep blue A frightening sight for first time to view. Passengers gripped the armrests of their chair Sweet babies held tight by mothers with care. Passengers viewed on crew faces...no fear Which put them at ease as coastline grew near. We landed safe and as we taxied in Applause was heard with appreciative din! 8-20-18 *Note: Like lightning, St. Elmo's Fire is plasma, or ionized air that emits a glow. But while lightening is the movement of electricity from a charged cloud to the ground, St. Elmo's Fire is simply sparking, something like a shot of electrons into the air. It's a corona discharge, and it occurs when there is a significant imbalance in electrical charge, causing molecules to tear apart, sometimes resulting in a slight hissing sound.The first step in generating St. Elmo's Fire is a thunderstorm.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




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Date: 5/11/2019 10:25:00 AM
Oh, divine stewardesses! (I almost married one). P.S.: Once the flight was overbooked, and I flew on the folding chair with the flight attendants in the tail. They did hardest job! In addition, when they had a free minute, they fed me the most terrible stories about flight accidents. I was sitting with my mouth open. Later I found out this was a kind of tradition) Perfect poetry, Connie. I saw this unpleasant but happily ended flight event with your eyes.
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Date: 10/27/2018 2:35:00 AM
Hi Connie, a big, belated congratulations on your poetic win with this amazing write. You have such a skill in putting the reader in the heart of your canvas and being able to play the reader's emotions. You turned a frightening memory into a poetic gem. Have a wonderful Saturday. Hugs....Mike. XX
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 10/27/2018 1:45:00 PM
Thank you Mike. The first time I entered the cockpit and saw St. Elmo's fire attacking the cockpit window I was alarmed until the captain assured me there was nothing to fear. That incident inspired this poem. : )
Date: 9/19/2018 2:06:00 PM
Hello Connie anything happening on a plane is scary. I am glad that everyone is safe. Have a nice day my friend.
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Date: 8/31/2018 9:51:00 AM
Very well written. A well deserved win, congrats!
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Date: 8/30/2018 9:51:00 PM
Back to applaud your poem and placement! I love that you scored. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
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Date: 8/30/2018 2:08:00 PM
Congratulations on your win. Suspenseful well-written story. Informative too. Enjoyed.
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Date: 8/29/2018 6:52:00 AM
...and back to say congrats, Connie, a worthy winner from soneone with the experience. I'm sure you have much experience you could regale us with in poetic form. Viv x
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Date: 8/28/2018 9:00:00 PM
Yes, I remember it now!! Your meter was pretty good, Connie. BIG congrats to you. It was not easy to get on this select winners' list and you pulled it off splendidly!By the way, thanks for what you said in the email to me. I forgot to thank you for your kind words about my poem.
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 8/28/2018 9:14:00 PM
Thanks Andrea. I think Nina had a lot of wonderful entries. Well my housework is calling so I better wait until later before making any more comments.
Date: 8/28/2018 8:13:00 PM
I'm back to say CONGRATS! Janice
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Date: 8/28/2018 7:10:00 PM
Hi Connie I do hope you have been safe from the howling winds and from the ash. Hope your up and walking better. Nicely written. love phyl
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 8/28/2018 7:24:00 PM
I am doing so much better and taking much less pain medication Phyl. Thank you for your concern. Our island had some flooding but I live above on a hillside and for us it was just a tropical storm because the hurricane turned west. The Big Island where the volcano is erupting got way too much rain and they're dealing with heavy flooding. Maui too got too much rain. It is still lightly raining here today. Thank you. Great to hear frim you. I hope you are much better? : )
Date: 8/27/2018 5:48:00 PM
Fascinating and superbly written, Connie! Janice
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Date: 8/27/2018 3:51:00 PM
We are all blessed that you made it safely back to earth my dear friend. Your poem flows beautifully and you crafted in verse so well what must have been a very scary incident.. A fav...
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 8/27/2018 10:55:00 PM
Thank you very much Robert. There were many flights like this one. I feel fortunate that in all those years of flying I was never involved in a crash. I did have a near miss and had other things happen. Hugs, Connie
Date: 8/27/2018 5:41:00 AM
Well described, if scary, write. I like the pace and flow of this piece. // Barry
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Date: 8/26/2018 11:58:00 AM
I know some of these terms as I worked in in the aviation industry.. Miss those days.. they could be hectic though, glad I was sitting in a office to be honest... Great poem for this contest...
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Date: 8/25/2018 10:00:00 PM
Your rolling rhyme is spot on catchy. I am assuming this comes from true life experience(s). I held on tight throughout, felt the emotion and relief when the poem landed. As to accurate emphasis, I didn't do the math and really don't know, but I know its a good poem! Love ... CayCay
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Date: 8/25/2018 6:43:00 PM
Hello Connie … I trust you are well. For me, your wonderful poem is a real live horror show. Very gripping indeed - thank you Connie - Lindsay
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Date: 8/25/2018 5:54:00 PM
I hate turbulence and you describe it and the passengers reaction well. Good job! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
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Date: 8/23/2018 10:08:00 AM
So nicely narrated, I felt as if I were a passenger. Very good composition. All the best.
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Date: 8/23/2018 7:37:00 AM
Beautifully done! Your poem made it easy to visualize St. Elmo's fire from that plane. Thank you for a fab read.
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Date: 8/22/2018 10:53:00 PM
Nice when you can enjoy a phenomenum without fear because you understand it, Connie. Lucky girl! Good luck in the contest. Viv x
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Date: 8/22/2018 12:18:00 PM
I think I've heard more than once the hissing sound you mentioned. Sometimes the hair on my arms sticks straight up in the air when there is a crackling sound prior to the hiss. Loved the suspense in your poem, Connie. Was hoping for a happy ending and that applause was well-deserved. I once flew on a small state government plan through a thunderstorm and it was wild! Awesome writing, my friend. Hope Hurricane Lane doesn't pose safety issues for you. Love, Carolyn
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Date: 8/21/2018 6:25:00 PM
gosh, how scary that must be to see it while traveling in a plane. You told the story in rhyming form very well, Connie.
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 8/21/2018 9:15:00 PM
When I went up to the cockpit and saw St. Elmo's fire for the first time I freaked Andrea. It was all over the cockpit windows. The pilots assured me there was no danger but it was quite a sight! Thank Andrea. : )
Date: 8/21/2018 1:59:00 PM
A scary ride for sure Connie, well done...
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Date: 8/21/2018 11:13:00 AM
You got me with this one Connie, You have to medicate me to get me up there!!! So well done with great rhyme and flow and imagery to give me chills!! Happy Tuesday xxoo
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Date: 8/21/2018 7:08:00 AM
You reminded everyone about the dreadful feeling we experience when the ride is unusually bumpy..gripping the armrest..I know that emotion..well written Connie, as always...best for a win.
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