Not too many years ago, Pinney says, If was voted the favorite poem in England.

NPR: Rod Blagojevich And The Poetry Slam

First published in 1910, the poem was thought by many scholars to be about George Washington, Pinney says.

NPR: Rod Blagojevich And The Poetry Slam

The author, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, is the founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, and aims to convert even the most sun-loving reader.

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"He wrote about people who led active and heroic lives, " Pinney says.

NPR: Rod Blagojevich And The Poetry Slam

Pinney described it as a "tremendously exciting time for scholars and fans".

BBC: Rudyard Kipling

Perhaps most exciting of all are the rain (nimbo) clouds, suggests Pretor-Pinney.

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If all else fails, you can try and find symbols in the clouds, the subject of a new book edited by Pretor-Pinney - Clouds That Look Like Things.

BBC: Weather talk: Is there a way to make it interesting?

The graphical concept and artwork is by Lulu Pinney.

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Thomas Pinney found the manuscripts in a number of places including a Manhattan House that was being renovated and among the papers of a former head of the Cunard Line.

BBC: Rudyard Kipling

Pinney likens it to hearing Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

NPR: Rod Blagojevich And The Poetry Slam

"You would think so, " Pinney says, laughing.

NPR: Rod Blagojevich And The Poetry Slam