FOURTH PLACE
A Spring Rain
By Kathy Altman
King George, Virginia
The rain escapes the cloud
in a shimmering cascade
and rushes at the earth
exploding into droplets
that pelt the periwinkle
and fountain up to spray
the thirsty blue blossom
f the bearded iris.
The monkshood gravely nod
n unashamed accord
with the drumming of the
crystal drops upon the dirt
and the daffodils slowly tilt
heir sunshine cups
to share the liquid bounty
ith clusters of clover.
The lace-like fronds of the ostrich fern
tremble with pleasure
as the heaven-sent tears
chase each other southward
swirling round the patient stalk
to soothe the arid ground.
Balloon flowers and primroses
bob under the noonday shower
as indignant squirrels scamper
for umbrella leaves.
The roses shiver with unease,
fearful of their fragile beauty
though incline their blooms
n regal appreciation
of the timely spell.
On the other side of the weeping window pane
I watch the glistening garden
and I wonder when did rain become for me
an inconvenience
rather than a refreshment.
Copyright (c) 2003 for
the author, all rights reserved. |
