Peau.(Translation) . Poem by Michael Walker

The rain is pelting down on the roof of his car ('pelt' can also mean 'animal hide')'like holy water/ on a coffin lid'. The allusion to religion characterizes Muldoon's style. He also hears 'mud/ landing with a thud'.
Eventually the loud noise stopped and there was a stony silence. Now he felt peace and contentment such as he had not known for years. I think the effect of loud noise followed by silence can make you feel at peace.
He has not felt so at peace since a very cold winter, when he wore layers of clothing ('the world')against his skin, with the fur side of his jacket facing in.
I am impressed by the uproar of rain followed by silence, the sudden feeling of contentment in the driver, and wearing his fur coat inside out. A first-rate poem.