I really loved "Storm Warnings." We can predict a storm and prepare for a storm, but we can't stop it. We can measure time, but we can't control it, reverse it, or make it move faster. Rich compared storms to emotions a little bit in line 12-14, suggesting that even our own feelings are somewhat out of our control:
"...Weather abroad
And weather in the heart alike come on
Regardless of prediction."
Generally, the poem reminds us that life is always out of our complete control. Even now, as Rich's barometer has been taken over by all kinds of crazy weather predicting technology that normal people don't even understand and we prepare for weather through whole disaster kits instead of candles, we still can't control life. It's a scary thought. Personally, I like to know that things are under control and probably struggle with trying to make sure things go according to my plans. This poem reminds me that it's not possible to control life and plans won't always go as I want them to. For me, it's also a reminder that I have to trust God to take care of life and fall in line with His plans, not mine. Storms (literal and emotional) may come and do damage, but God is my rock and He always carries His children through the storms. The poem itself doesn't lead in that direction at all, but that's just where my thoughts took me.
It really is crazy to think about how little influence we have on our own lives. The smallest thing can happen that could change our lives forever and we may have no control over it. All we can do is decide how we will handle whatever happens to alter life. We must choose to may lemonade out of lemons.
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