A darkening northern sky, mountains rumbled
to break the deadlock of drought,
but only a dribble fell that day.
It barely wetted the dusty earth,
leaving us hot, fractious, heavy-legged.
The next day dawned with black smoldering clouds
and then with a bang real rain finally came.
Down it poured, so we danced and sang
to celebrate relief for all that lives and breathes;
cool drops glistening on naked skin
leather-brown from months of sun & sweat.
The air cut fresh in our nostrils then
as we shivered and pulled on jumpers
unworn for many months.
And the thirsty land smiled, drinking its fill.
A musty smell of moistening earth
contrasted with the sweetly perfumed air
as all of nature breathed in gratitude.

May the dessicated clay of my heart
be softened by this vital element
to melt and become pliable again,
so that I may now love life to the full.