John has been writing poetry since his school days. He was awarded "Poet of the Year 2014" Hubby Awards and has had two poems become songs.

Grey Skies or Blue?

The sky is overcast and grey,

How will that affect my day?

Some say it makes their mood turn blue,

But for me, that isn't true.

Cloudy weather has its charm,

It relaxes me and keeps me calm.

Rainy days just can't be beat,

Welcome respites from the heat.

It's easier to get things done

When you aren't scorched by the blazing sun.

And even if you're stuck indoors,

That suits my work, maybe not yours.

Most love the summer's blue sky days,

Trips to the beach, fun in the waves.

Barbecues and outdoor sport,

Activities that life has taught.

For me, dull days and cloudy skies

Expose traits people try to hide.

They blame the weather for their ire,

Depression, anger, being tired.

But, no matter if it's grey or blue,

How you act is up to you.

Put a smile upon your face,

Treat people well, and act with grace.

© 2018 John Hansen

Comments

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on February 17, 2019:

Thank you for revisiting MizB. Wow, 52 inches of rain! I can only wish. Our annual average is about half that.

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on February 17, 2019:

John, I'd like to correct a comment I posted when this poem was first published. I said we get nearly "50 inches of rain where I live." The 2018 rainfall was 52 inches. almost breaking a record. I still love this poem.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on February 17, 2019:

Umesh, thank you for reading this poem. I appreciate it.

Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on February 17, 2019:

A nice poem. Thanks for posting.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 27, 2018:

Yes, Shauna, everything you described is how I feel too. Rainy days do provide us with a good excuse to just relax. Thanks for reading.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on July 27, 2018:

Rainy days make me feel lazy (unless I'm at work). Rainy days are perfect for curling up on the couch with a good book or binge-watching TV. A good excuse to do nothing if I so deem!

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on May 03, 2018:

Hey Lawrence. Yes, I can imagine that being the case in England. Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed this poem.

Lawrence Hebb from Hamilton, New Zealand on May 03, 2018:

John

Back in England we didn't talk so much about sunny days so much, more like "the day it didn't rain!"

Loved this poem

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 11, 2018:

Haha Larry. Keep shining.

Larry Rankin from Oklahoma on April 11, 2018:

Nothing but blue skies smiling at me.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 10, 2018:

Verlie, thanks for returning to add to your previous comment. Much appreciated.

Verlie Burroughs from Canada on April 10, 2018:

Oh yeah John (sorry). I forgot to tell you I enjoyed the whole page, and photos (nice backyard retreat with the porch, perfect for a rainy day).

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 10, 2018:

Thanks for reading Verlie. Yes, we are certainly affected by the different weather conditions, especially when they are extreme. We just have to control how we deal with it and don't take it out on others.

Verlie Burroughs from Canada on April 10, 2018:

Hi Jodah, I'm so affected by the weather, sometimes a rainy day is a gift for all the reasons you spell out so emphatically. But weather definitely affects a barometer in people, winter especially takes its toll. All Springy here now, I'm enjoying the lighter days. Cheers, and thanks.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 10, 2018:

Thank you bro. I always appreciate your comments and encouragement.

manatita44 from london on April 10, 2018:

Beautiful rhyming poetry with excellent inspirations! Well done!

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 07, 2018:

Mom's the word! Paula......want me to delete your last post :)?

Suzie from Carson City on April 07, 2018:

Well Jodah....My DAD was around for the Big Band era of music, so I heard it all....all the time. Talk about feeling OLD! I was born in 48...so I only got to appreciate the '40's music when I was finally old enough to appreciate it. JEESH! I wasn't "actually around" in the '40's...LOL!! in fact...in 2 days I shall be 70...and if you tell another living soul, you and I are through!! LOL

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 07, 2018:

Hey Paula, I wasn't around in the 40s lol....but I heard slightly more recent cover versions of it haha. That's my excuse and I am sticking to it.You're only as old as you feel too :)

Suzie from Carson City on April 07, 2018:

Jodah.....You just gave away your age, old buddy! LOL I didn't even expect you to know the song! It's a '40's classic! We're old, Jodah!

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 07, 2018:

Audrey, thanks for your kind comment. I love both Spring and Autumn most....but I always look forward to a shower of rain whatever the season.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 07, 2018:

Paula, believe it or not, "Blue Skies" was the song I almost chose for this poem....the Wendy Matthews version. I love that song too. Glad this brought back pleasant memories for you.

Suzie from Carson City on April 07, 2018:

Jodah....Thank you for this lovely poem that has taken me down memory lane. My precious Dad, with his 3 brothers sang acapella harmony and one of their best songs was "Blue Skies." My sister and I loved it and sang along. "Blue skies, nothin but blue skies, nothin but blue skies, do I see." Blue days, all of them gone, nothing but blue skies, from now on. Noticing the days, hurrying by, when you're in love, my my how they fly." ...............Love it. Paula

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on April 07, 2018:

Perception and attitude determine our outlook whether it's spring or the dead cold of winter. However, I love springtime, even when I suffer so with allergies. Beautiful poem John

Thank you

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 07, 2018:

I agree with you Genna, Spring and Fall are also my favourite seasons. Thanks for the great comment and the interesting trivia in regards to Robert Redford's opinion of the song "Raindrops Keep Fallin on My Head." I didn't know that.

Genna East from Massachusetts, USA on April 07, 2018:

Summer isn't my favorite season...I love spring and fall with the equinox of change, and all the possibilities it holds.

"But, no matter if it's grey or blue,

How you act is up to you.

Put a smile upon your face,

Treat people well, and act with grace."

Beautifully said. :-) And the "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head" is perfect. By the way, Robert Redford hated the song at first, but later thought it worked very well with the film.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 06, 2018:

Thank you for reading and glad you enjoyed the poem, StricktlyDating

StrictlyQuotes from Australia on April 06, 2018:

A really enjoyable poem!

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 05, 2018:

Thank you, Rasma. Glad you enjoyed this poem and also Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head. A classic.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 05, 2018:

Thanks MsDora. We can't control the weather but we can control our emotions. Yes, a great time to enjoy being home is when it is raining.

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on April 05, 2018:

Wonderful your poetry put a smile on my face and love that song.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 05, 2018:

Hi Devika. Glad you like the warm weather, and this poem making you smile.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on April 05, 2018:

Great message. The weather is outside us; the control within us should not be affected. That said, I'm happiest when it's raining and I am at home.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 05, 2018:

In Croatia weather is getting warmer. I prefer the slightly warmer temperatures. Too much of bad weather is depressing for many and that is my reason to be happy and not to focus on the bad weather. The long winters can make one feel sad. Your poem made me smile!

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 05, 2018:

Thank you, Nithya. So glad you enjoy my poems and the message here.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 05, 2018:

Glenis, I can understand how you may get sick of constant rain there in England, but just think of how the plants must be loving it..as long as it is followed by some days of sunshine eventually. Keep your chin up.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 05, 2018:

Thank you, whonu. Yes, we need reminders now and then.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on April 04, 2018:

Nice poem with a valuable message. I enjoy reading your poems, thank you for sharing.

Glen Rix from UK on April 04, 2018:

Mmm. As you might have heard, the weather has always been a major conversational topic here in England. It’s been raining for days. Trying to be cheerful but it’s pretty depressing weather for a nation of gardeners. Your poem brought a smile to my face though.

whonunuwho from United States on April 04, 2018:

Nice reminder in this poem my friend. Many blessings to you and yours. whonu

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Hi Elijah, I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this and comment. I too am an old fashioned lover of rhyme and that is what you get from me most of the time.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Yes, that Si so true Michael. You expressed it very well. Thanks for reading and commenting.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Yes, you are exactly right Flourish. Rainy days don't give us an excuse to be cranky, but do give us one to be lazy and watch movies, nap etc. thanks for the welcome back.

FlourishAnyway from USA on April 04, 2018:

There’s nothing that beats a rainy day for a good long nap or a bunch of Netflix movies. Glad you are back!

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Thank you Mike. Yes, my contributions decreased here for too long. I hope to stay back on track. Thanks for your encouragement always.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

MizB, well you are in the right place for a rain lover. Glad I echoed your sentiments. Thanks for reading.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Hey Linda(Sunshine), why does it not surprise me that you are a sunshine person :)? Thank you for reading and enjoying.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

I am glad this brightened your day, Linda. My point exactly...don't let the weather give you licence to be gloomy.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Thanks, Ruby, glad you liked my rhyme. You are in the majority, loving the sunshine.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Hi Li-Jen. Thank you for reading and confirming my message here. Your comment is much appreciated.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Harish, isn't the weather amazing, rain, sunshine, or cloudy skies? Yes thunder and lightning are God's true spectacles. Glad you enjoyed this.

Michael Milec on April 04, 2018:

You made it easy John, agreeable and appreciated. The weather condition as every single day is a "gift" from above,I welcome it calmly, choosing to be happy despite the prevailing circumstances, knowing there is always a sunshine above the clouds. (There above the stars, in the heaven my Father dwells...)

mckbirdbks from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas on April 04, 2018:

Hello John - Glad to see you here in the halls of HP on a regular basis again. Poetry is certainly strong in your writing arsenal.

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on April 04, 2018:

My sentiments exactly, John, and you expressed it beautifully. I love a rainy day, and it's a good thing because we get nearly 50 inches of rainfall in an average year.

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on April 04, 2018:

Awesome poem!! I need sunshine to thrive so it’s blue skies for me.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on April 04, 2018:

John, what a wonderful reminder that the grey skies don't give us license to be sour. You are as gleeful or gloomy as you choose to be. Your poetry flows so effortlessly. Thank you for brightening my cloudy day.

Elijah A Alexander Jr from Washington DC on April 04, 2018:

I rather enjoyed "Grey Skies or Blue," I am as you are, accepting of whatever weather avails us. Especially since I have over commonly dependence, attachments and rejections I merely find something to occupy me and go on.

I also appreciate your phrasing of it especially since I'm an old fashioned lover of rhyming verse. I enjoyed the reading.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on April 04, 2018:

I love your rhyme, it flows so easily..Give me sunshine and I'm a happy camper...

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

haha, Eric, thank you...but I don't. I hope to keep improving for awhile yet. Turn Turn Turn terrific song.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Thank you, Clive. :)

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Thank you for reading Mary. Yes, grey skies reveal a lot.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Thank you Ann, yes rain is a big deal to us here in Australia. I can see how it may be different for you in the UK. But yeah, we need all kinds of weather.

Li-Jen Hew on April 04, 2018:

John, cool point! People reveal their true colours on ”dull days and cloudy skies”. Nice poem. :) Thanks for sharing! :)

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Shannon, once again I am amazed by your comment, as I was with Frank's. I admit I do often think in rhyme so it usually flows easily. Thank you so much.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

I don't know what to say in reply to that comment, Frank. I am humbled, thank you.

Harish Mamgain from New Delhi , India on April 04, 2018:

The sky never lets you down , be it whatever weather ... it's there to enchant you. John, I too love cloudy sky, dark clouds moving rapidly amid thundering of the lightening. I lenjoyed reading this beautiful poem.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on April 04, 2018:

The weather never bores me...always entertains me...I'm in your camp on this one.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on April 04, 2018:

Great reminder especially when Spring has not yet come to our part of the world. But as you say, grey skies tell us more.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Thanks for the kind words Venkat. Yes, the physical effects can be a different story entirely.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on April 04, 2018:

John, just another home run. You must get tired of being so good in your art and heart.

I love the weather, whether it be pounding rain or scorching hot.

I always sing Turn, Turn, Turn and remind myself of my friend Paul in Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 for there truly is a season.

Clive Williams from Jamaica on April 04, 2018:

Nice Poem JoJo

Ann Carr from SW England on April 04, 2018:

Great poem, John! I agree with your sentiments regarding the weather. There is charm or excitement in most kinds, even the dangerous ones!

I can appreciate that the rain is more welcome in Australia than it is here, though we all need refreshing rain to help things grow.

I used to love just standing in the rain when I was a kid; perhaps I should do that more often!

Ann

Shannon Henry from Texas on April 04, 2018:

I agree with Frank in saying your poetry is superb. I've never been disappointed by anything of yours I've read. And your subject range is astounding. You must be like all rapper who can have a rap battle. You can have a rhyme battle with poetry on paper and win.

As for this particular subject, I love the rain, too. Well.... Except for the mud it tracks through my home. I could do without that mess to clean up!

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on April 04, 2018:

I loved this poem.. you know Jodah of all the people I met on here, from MsBrooks, Audrey and Momssecret, smilealot, ValleyPoet et al every good poet.. I thought was my favorite... just pales in comparison to your poetry writing.. I feel so confident in saying this that I know that they will agree... You are today's Frost, Poe, Yeats, Blake, Shelly, should I go on? Just continue to write them...

Venkatachari M from Hyderabad, India on April 04, 2018:

A nice message through your poetry. I love the way you conveyed it, John.

I share your attitude. The seasonal changes do not discourage or affect my moods. Only physically they may trouble me, but not otherwise.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 04, 2018:

Thank you being quick off the mark and first to read this Nikki. You are spot on with your observations and yes, "keeping ourselves happy and occupied with optimism" is the secret.

Nikki Khan from London on April 04, 2018:

I loved it John, you’re right here in depicting our inner mood to blame weather.No matter what season it is, happiness and joy lies inside us, if we’re happy then season seems excellent too but if we’re sad then nothing can change it.

But lesson is to keep ourselves happy and occupied with optimism.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts with us.