Moody March and fickle April is how I like to translate the Flemish proverb “maartse buien en aprilse grillen.” Literally translate this would be March’s showers and April’s whims, with the word “bui” in Duth both referring to a rain shower as well as a mood, as in being in a good mood or “in een goeie bui zijn.”
The changeable weather at this time of the year creates the ideal conditions for rainbows to occur—these brief punctures of otherworldly joy against the heavy sky, these symbols of hope and possibility that can only be seen if you stand in exactly the right place.
In Time of Silver Rain by Langston Hughes In time of silver rain The earth Puts forth new life again, Green grasses grow And flowers lift their heads, And over all the plain The wonder spreads Of life, of life, of life! In time of silver rain The butterflies lift silken wings To catch a rainbow cry, And trees put forth New leaves to sing In joy beneath the sky As down the roadway passing boys And girls go singing, too, In time of silver rain When spring And life are new. (from All Poetry)
Langston Hughes' poem captures the ephemeral nature of a rainbow through its vivid imagery and juxtaposition with the silver rain. Rainbows are fleeting natural phenomena that appear briefly after rain showers when sunlight refracts through water droplets in the air. They symbolise beauty, hope, and the transient nature of life's joys.
In the poem, the butterflies "lift silken wings to catch a rainbow cry." This suggests that the rainbow's brilliance is so captivating that even delicate creatures like butterflies are drawn to it. By describing the butterflies' wings as "silken," Hughes emphasises their fragility and evokes a sense of ethereal beauty.
By guiding our attention to the trees growing new leaves to sing "in joy beneath the sky" he magnifies the rejuvenation that the rainbow brings. Despite life's challenges, the rainbow serves as a source of optimism.
The passing boys and girls singing along the roadway also strengthen the theme of hope and joy. Their singing represents the resilience and exuberance of youth, finding delight in the presence of the rainbow.
The vivid descriptions and joyful atmosphere remind us of the temporary yet uplifting nature of rainbows. The poem suggests that even in the face of life's difficulties, fleeting moments of beauty have the power to bring joy and renew our spirits, if we orient ourselves to the light.
“this rainbow cannot make a home of a specific point of the sky. its brief and beautiful existence depends entirely upon where you are standing, where the sun is landing, and how you choose to orient yourself to that light. simply, the rainbow is carried within your eyes.”
Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows by John Constable is a famous landscape painting that incorporates a rainbow, invoking similar ideas about the ephemeral and uplifting nature of rainbows.
Painted in 1831, the artwork carries deep emotional significance as Constable was grieving the loss of his beloved wife, Maria Bicknell, who had recently passed away. The couple had cherished memories of Salisbury, having spent part of their honeymoon there. Against this backdrop, the painting's turbulent sky takes on a poignant interpretation, reflecting the storm of emotions he experienced.
But amidst the dark and tumultuous clouds Constable paints a perfect rainbow that stretches across the sky. This rainbow becomes a powerful symbol of hope and happy memories. It represents a glimmer of light in the artist's grief. The vibrant colours and graceful arc of the rainbow draw our attention as well, evoking in us a sense of wonder and awe.
In this way, Constable's painting not only captures the transient beauty of the rainbow, but it also becomes a deeply personal expression of his own emotions. The rainbow symbolises the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find joy even in the face of loss. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of memories and the ability of nature to offer comfort.
Just as Langston Hughes' poem highlights the ephemeral yet inspiring nature of rainbows, Constable's painting infuses the rainbow with personal meaning, reflecting our journey through grief and search for hope. Both the poem and the painting remind us of the profound impact that rainbows can have, both as natural phenomena and as symbols of resilience and renewal in the face of life's challenges.
“Be thou the rainbow in the storms of life!”
Lord Byron, from The Bride of Abydos.
Instead of seeing storms as insurmountable obstacles, we can view them as catalysts for personal development. The poem and painting allows us to approach difficulties with a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness, seeking solutions that can lead to personal and emotional growth.
In the middle of the storm, it is essential to seek moments of joy and gratitude. Engaging in activities that bring us happiness, practising gratitude for the small blessings in our lives, and focusing on the present moment can help shift our perspective and remind us of the beauty and goodness that still exist, even in challenging times.
We can be the rainbow for ourselves and others, offering hope, resilience, and support in the storms of life.
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I loved how you pointed out that the storm clouds and the rainbow were combined. Life is so often like that. There are things that seem overwhelming and things that bring joy all going on at the same time. It's so true that seeking moments of gratitude and joy is so important, and we also need to truly believe that we are deserving of that joy, that it is ours to claim.
lovely essay Conny, look forward to reading as you open up new vistas