1. Personification: Rubadiri gives human-like qualities to natural forces and elements. For example, the thunderstorm is personified as a "dreadful monster" and the rain as "bullets of fire."
2. Similes: Rubadiri uses similes to compare the thunder to "distant guns" and the lightning to "a furious serpent."
3. Metaphors: He employs metaphors to describe the lightning as "the teeth of angry clouds" and the rain as "a million beads."
4. Hyperbole: Rubadiri uses hyperbole to emphasize the intensity of the storm. For instance, he describes the rain as "an avalanche of water" and the thunder as "a colossal drum in the sky."
5. Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words is used for rhythmic effect. For example, "deafening downpour" and "trembling trees."
6. Onomatopoeia: Rubadiri uses words that imitate sounds, such as "boom" and "roar," to enhance the sensory experience of the storm.
7. Rhyme: The use of words with similar sounds at the end of lines is used to create a sense of musicality and rhythm in the poem. For example, "downpour" and "roar."
8. Symbolism: Rubadiri uses symbols to convey deeper meanings. The approaching thunderstorm can be seen as a symbol of impending conflict, while the violent storm can symbolize the turmoil and chaos of human existence.
9. Imagery: Throughout the poem, Rubadiri employs vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader, allowing them to visualize and feel the intensity of the African thunderstorm.
10. Enjambment: Rubadiri uses enjambment, where a sentence or phrase runs over from one line to the next without a pause, to create a sense of continuity and urgency.