a short history of rain

by David Filer

it only fell
when it became too heavy

for the clouds to bear

            *
and then it had
no choice
                         gathering

where it fell
                         clinging

to anything it could

disappearing
when there was earth
to soak into

            *
someone likened it
to tears

but by then the clouds
had blown on beyond
the horizon

and sunlight reflected
off the wet streets

            *
in one part
of the country
it raised rivers above their banks

and there were
second thoughts

            *
but when a single
                         drop

fell from the blooming rose

everyone knew
it was a gift