Sometimes When it Rains Analysis - Literary devices and Poetic devices

Sometimes When it Rains

By Gcina Mhlophe

Sometimes when it rains
I smile to myself
And think of times when as a child
I’d sit by myself
And wonder why people need clothes

Sometimes when it rains
I think of times
when I’d run into the rain
Shouting “Nkce, nkce mlanjana”
When will I grow?
I’ll grow up tomorrow!

Sometimes when it rains
I think of times
When I watched goats
running so fast from the rain
While sheep seemed to enjoy it

Sometimes when it rains
I think of times
When we had to undress
Carry the small bundles of uniforms and
books
On our heads
And cross the river after school.

Sometimes when it rains
I remember times
When it would rain hard for hours
And fill our drum
so we didn’t have to fetch water
From the river for a day or two

Sometimes when it rains
Rains for many hours without break
I think of people
who have nowhere to go
No home of their own

And no food to eat
Only rain water to drink

Sometimes when it rains
Rains for days without break
I think of mothers
Who give birth in squatter camps
Under plastic shelters
At the mercy of cold angry winds

Sometimes when it rains
I think of ‘illegal’ job seekers
in big cities
Dodging police vans in the rain
Hoping for darkness to come
So they can find some wet corner to hide in

Sometimes when it rains
Rains so hard, hail joins in
I think of life prisoners
in all the jails of the world
and wonder if they still love
To see the rainbow at the end of the rain

Summary of “Sometimes When it Rains”

The Essence of the Poem: Gcina Mhlophe’s “Sometimes When it Rains” is a powerfully evocative poem exploring the layered memories and emotions triggered by rainfall. The poem moves from innocent childhood wonder to a poignant awareness of hardship and resilience, linking personal experiences with broader social realities.
Central Idea and Themes: The poem isn’t simply about rain; it is about how rain acts as a catalyst for memory and reflection. The recurring phrase establishes a pattern, a rhythm of remembrance that carries the reader through a landscape of childhood, poverty, and hope. Major themes include the simplicity of childhood, the challenges of marginalized communities, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Context and Significance: Understanding the socio‑political context of South Africa during and after apartheid is vital to fully appreciate the poem’s depth. The references to “squatter camps” and “illegal” job seekers illuminate the struggles faced by many during that era, and the poem can be seen as a testament to their enduring spirit.

In-Depth Analysis of “Sometimes When it Rains”

Structure and Form

The poem employs a free‑verse structure, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This stylistic choice mirrors the natural flow of memory and reflection, allowing the poet to move freely between different experiences and emotions. The consistent repetition of “Sometimes when it rains” at the start of each stanza functions as a refrain, creating a unifying thread that ties the entire poem together.

Sometimes when it rains
I smile to myself
And think of times when as a child

This refrain is not merely a repetition; it is an invitation to the reader to join the poet on a journey of remembrance, to explore the memories and emotions that are triggered by the rainfall.

Exploring the Layers of Meaning

The poem moves through distinct stages of recollection. The initial stanzas evoke a sense of innocent wonder, as the poet remembers childhood experiences like questioning the need for clothes and joyfully running in the rain. This is a time of simple pleasures and unburdened curiosity. However, as the poem progresses, the tone shifts, and the poet begins to reflect on the hardships faced by others.

Sometimes when it rains
Rains for days without break
I think of mothers
Who give birth in squatter camps

These lines demonstrate a growing awareness of the harsh realities of poverty and displacement. The rain, once a source of joy, now becomes a symbol of vulnerability and hardship for those without shelter or resources. The poem does not shy away from depicting difficult realities but does so with compassion and empathy.

The Power of Imagery and Symbolism

Mhlophe masterfully employs imagery and symbolism throughout the poem. The rain itself is a multifaceted symbol, representing both life‑giving nourishment and potential destruction. It evokes memories of childhood joy but also highlights the vulnerability of those without adequate shelter. The imagery of the “drum” filling with rainwater is particularly powerful, representing a temporary respite from hardship, a source of sustenance in a challenging environment. The rainbow at the end of the poem serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, a reminder that even after the storm there is still beauty to be found.

and wonder if they still love
To see the rainbow at the end of the rain

This asks a poignant question, suggesting that even those who have endured great hardship may still find solace in the beauty of the natural world.

Literary and Poetic Devices

Assonance and Consonance

The poem utilizes assonance and consonance to create a musical quality and enhance the emotional impact of the words. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, can be seen in phrases like “smile to myself,” while consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, is evident in lines like “carry the small bundles.” These subtle sonic devices contribute to the poem’s overall rhythm and flow.

Enjambment and Flow

Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next, is used effectively to create a sense of momentum and mimic the natural rhythm of thought. This technique allows the poem to unfold organically, drawing the reader deeper into the poet’s memories and emotions.

I think of life prisoners
in all the jails of the world
and wonder if they still love
To see the rainbow at the end of the rain

The lines flow seamlessly into one another, creating a sense of interconnectedness and emphasizing the universal human experience of longing for hope and beauty.

Imagery and Symbolism – A Deeper Dive

As previously mentioned, imagery and symbolism are central to the poem’s meaning. The “squatter camps” and “plastic shelters” are not merely physical locations; they represent systemic inequalities and hardships faced by marginalized communities. The “illegal” job seekers symbolize the desperation and vulnerability of those forced to navigate a harsh and unforgiving system. The poem does not offer easy answers or solutions but instead invites the reader to confront these realities with empathy and compassion.

Quotes for Reflection

The following lines from “Sometimes When it Rains” are particularly resonant and can serve as starting points for further discussion and analysis:

Sometimes when it rains
I smile to myself
And think of times when as a child

This opening stanza encapsulates the poem’s central theme: the power of rain to evoke memories and emotions.

Sometimes when it rains
Rains for days without break
I think of mothers
Who give birth in squatter camps

This poignant stanza highlights the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities and the enduring strength of mothers.

and wonder if they still love
To see the rainbow at the end of the rain

This closing stanza offers a glimmer of hope and reminds us that even in the darkest of times, beauty and resilience can still be found.

“Sometimes When it Rains” is a powerful and moving poem that invites us to reflect on our own memories, experiences, and responsibilities. It is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and beauty can still prevail.