Page 1 of 1

Thoughts on a Rainy Day

Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2014 6:27 pm
by rmbowen
I wrote this short poem on Oct 25, 1967 in Birmingham, Alabama. I was home on leave from Sub School. It was my twenty-second birthday and I had orders to report to the USS James Madison, SSBN627(B) in Charleston, SC on Nov 7th.

I had said good-night to my girlfriend earlier and was driving around alone that night contemplating my future and the decisions I made to become a submariner. I was enjoying the break from nearly two years of Navy schools. I know all the “Nukes” can identify with the relief, as well as the expectations I felt that night.

It was a dark, warm night and a strong thunderstorm came up rather quickly. It started raining very hard, so I parked the car on a quiet south-side street a few blocks from my parent’s home. I sat enjoying the sights and sounds of lightning, thunder and large raindrops pounding my car.

This is just one of the special experiences that submariners miss while on patrol. I am so glad that I captured my feelings that night in two short verses. I would return to that night in Birmingham every time I read this poem in my quiet place - a padded floor locker in upper level missile compartment outboard of tubes two and four. I would like to share my experience with those brothers that may have found that (somewhat ironic) place to rest and study. I hope you enjoy the poem and that this narrative triggers a few special memories of your own.


Thoughts on a Rainy Day

Come, O’ rain,
Beat upon on my brow;
Do it now,
Before this feeling goes away!

Blow, cruel wind,
Tear the shirt from my back;
I’ll welcome the attack,
For such is my mood today.

Written 25 October 1967
© 2013 Roy Mack Bowen