RAIN

Rain is source and symbol, and wears a double
Face: a devil to sodden, falling levees,
Probing, marauding, a beast with baneful heavy
Thighs; but also a savior to sun-cracked stubble,

Promising food to famished bellies, balm
To bloodshot eyes. I like the rain as a toy
When drop by drop it falls in the pool and joys
Each one to start its widening circle of calm,

Intersecting miracles. Best was the shower
In Burgundy: a lucky sunken grove
Sheltering weary bikers, our eyes on the plane of
The pavement, watching the globules drop with power,

Exploding misty coronets. The one
Water is life: destroyer, nourisher, fun!

(119, August 2, 1993)

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