# Provision explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The speaker reflects on the approach of a storm as a divine message, resolving to transform the experience into words that guard against temptation and spiritual weakness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature as Divine Revelation

The storm and pine-branches are depicted as bearers of God's message and power.

### Spiritual Struggle and Doubt

The speaker acknowledges temptation and the need for constant vigilance against spiritual failure.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who observes the storm and resolves to use the moment for spiritual fortification.

### God

Referred to as the Almighty who sends the thunder-word.

## Key lines

> Above my head the great pine-branches tower; Backwards and forwards each to the other bends, Beckoning the tempest-cloud which hither wends Like a slow-laboured thought, heavy with power

The large pine branches sway above me, calling the storm cloud that moves slowly like a powerful thought.

_The storm is personified as a deliberate, weighty force._

> Let me be silent while the Almighty sends His thunder-word along⁠—but when it ends I will arise and fashion from the hour Words of stupendous import, fit to guard High thoughts and purposes

I will stay quiet as God speaks through the thunder, then I will create powerful words to protect noble intentions.

_The speaker intends to transform the divine encounter into a shield against temptation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/provision
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters