[Glenn Wright]

Hi, Trev—

I like your whimsical spoofing of the inability of modern science, with all its mountains of theory and complex hardware and software, to accurately predict weather.

Since you posted this in Met, I have a couple of observations regarding meter. The poem is mostly in tetrameter, but the first four lines form a ballad stanza (alternating tetrameter and trimeter). If this is intentional, meant to suggest the simple, relaxed country wisdom of ancient farmers, perhaps you could include a stanza break after line 4. The next four lines (5-8) are in tetrameter, like march time, suggesting a more mechanical, driven, energetic mood. The last six lines form a sestain, ending with a couplet that reinforces the “punch line,” similar to ottava rima. The only line that needs metrical attention is S2L2. How about something like: with the mountains of data they amassed?

The thing/bring rhyme is a bit weak. You could punch it up a bit by changing the first four lines of S2 to something like:
It somehow becomes a less simple task
with the mountains of data they amassed
to answer the questions the farmers ask,
leaving them hopeful or aghast.

The similarity of the rhymes makes these four lines more of a set-up for the rim shot of the final rhyming couplet. The shift to present tense in the last six lines highlights the contrast between past wisdom and present confusion.

I enjoyed your poem!

Glenn