In the swirling tempest of New York City's subway system, Menna Elfyn finds a sanctuary - a "temple from tempest" where the stormy masses find refuge. The poem is more than just a description of a chaotic scene; it's an exploration of the human experience in the face of adversity. With words that dance like raindrops on bare skin, Elfyn crafts an immersive world of sounds and textures that transport us to the heart of the shelter-seekers' collective experience.
As the deluge subsides, and the heavens "smile", the firm ground forms beneath their feet, and the petrified hour becomes flesh. It's as if the very act of seeking shelter has transformed them, imbuing them with a sense of agency and movement. The image is both eerie and beautiful - the crowd, once mottled and forlorn, now hums its way home, bathed in the golden light of liberation.
In this poem, Elfyn draws upon a rich cultural heritage, referencing Emma Lazarus's iconic lines from "The New Colossus". Yet, it's her unique voice that imbues these allusions with fresh meaning. The use of language is both precise and evocative, conjuring the hiss of rain on skin and the sting of droplets on the eye. It's an almost imagist poem, recalling Ezra Pound's masterpiece "In a Station of the Metro".
One can't help but wonder what role the Welsh language has played in shaping Elfyn's poetic voice. As she herself explains, her bilingualism has allowed her to bridge two languages and cultures, giving rise to a sense of fluidity and adaptability that is both captivating and humbling.
Ultimately, "Storm in Brooklyn Subway" is not just a poem about a storm; it's an ode to the human spirit's capacity for resilience, creativity, and connection. In this masterful work, Menna Elfyn invites us to find our own sanctuary, amidst even the most turbulent of lives, where we can breathe free and hum with gratitude.
As the deluge subsides, and the heavens "smile", the firm ground forms beneath their feet, and the petrified hour becomes flesh. It's as if the very act of seeking shelter has transformed them, imbuing them with a sense of agency and movement. The image is both eerie and beautiful - the crowd, once mottled and forlorn, now hums its way home, bathed in the golden light of liberation.
In this poem, Elfyn draws upon a rich cultural heritage, referencing Emma Lazarus's iconic lines from "The New Colossus". Yet, it's her unique voice that imbues these allusions with fresh meaning. The use of language is both precise and evocative, conjuring the hiss of rain on skin and the sting of droplets on the eye. It's an almost imagist poem, recalling Ezra Pound's masterpiece "In a Station of the Metro".
One can't help but wonder what role the Welsh language has played in shaping Elfyn's poetic voice. As she herself explains, her bilingualism has allowed her to bridge two languages and cultures, giving rise to a sense of fluidity and adaptability that is both captivating and humbling.
Ultimately, "Storm in Brooklyn Subway" is not just a poem about a storm; it's an ode to the human spirit's capacity for resilience, creativity, and connection. In this masterful work, Menna Elfyn invites us to find our own sanctuary, amidst even the most turbulent of lives, where we can breathe free and hum with gratitude.
. Her words are like a warm blanket on a cold day - comforting and soothing. I love how she takes us on this wild ride of emotions, from being lost to finding refuge, and then liberation 
. What's interesting is how she weaves together different cultures and languages to create this unique voice. As someone who's always been interested in exploring the intersection of language and identity, this poem really resonates with me 
. Can we talk more about how poetry can be a powerful tool for connection and self-discovery? 
. The way Menna Elfyn describes the chaos of the subway system, it's like you're right there with her, feeling the stormy vibes 
. And then she takes us to this place of refuge, where people find a sense of agency and movement... it's so powerful 
. I love how she draws from cultural heritage, but puts her own spin on it too - it's like she's speaking straight to your soul 
. And yeah, I'm intrigued by the Welsh language connection - it must be fascinating to have that bilingual perspective 
. What I think resonates most is the poem's message about resilience and creativity... we all need a little sanctuary in our lives, you know? 
... i mean, i get why ppl love the poem, but for me it's just too much rain 
i like how elfyn uses metaphors, but sometimes it feels like she's being a bit too deep 
The way she describes the chaos of the subway as a place of refuge is everything to me. I mean, we've all been there, right? Feeling lost and alone, but then finding our tribe in the unlikeliest of places 
The way she uses sensory details to bring the poem to life is just genius. I love how she references Emma Lazarus, too - it adds this whole new layer of meaning to the piece 
️ It's like you're right there in the subway with her. And yeah, it's pretty cool that she's a bilingual poet - it gives her this unique perspective. But what really stands out is how it makes me think about my own life and all the times I've found shelter from the storm (literally and metaphorically). 
- it's like a breath of fresh air in the midst of chaos. The way she weaves together words to create an immersive world is pure magic 
. As someone who's always on-the-go, I can totally relate to feeling lost and overwhelmed during rush hour... but this poem shows me that even in those moments, there's beauty to be found 
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What I love most about this poem is how it celebrates humanity's capacity for resilience and connection 
It's like, we're all in this together, you know? And Menna Elfyn's words are just the perfect accompaniment to that feeling 
like I'm right there in that subway tunnel with those people seeking shelter. It's amazing how a poet can capture the chaos and turn it into something beautiful and hopeful... I love how she wove together these different elements - language, culture, imagery - to create this immersive experience. And you're right, it's not just about the storm, but about what it does to us as humans. It made me think of my own times feeling lost or overwhelmed, and how a safe space can be like a refuge for our souls 
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. The way it paints a picture of chaos, but also finds beauty in it's all 
? But Elfyn's words are like a breath of fresh air 
, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, we have the power to transform 
it's like, totally true 
. We all need a safe space to recharge and come out stronger 
. It's an ode to hope and resilience, reminding us that even in the midst of turmoil, we can find peace and connection 
. I'm going to be reading this one over and over again 
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But what's so cool is that her poem doesn't just describe it, it helps you process it too 
! I love how this poet uses words like "hiss" and "sting" to describe the rain – it's so vivid! And I'm fascinated by how she references Emma Lazarus's poem... my English teacher used to say we should always know our classics 