Monday, May 02, 2011

Rain - McCormick Brandon


Rain. “Finally,” chirps a robin hiding in the maple outside my window. Drops hit the wide leaves, broke and splintered to the delighted earth. It’s been dry. So dry, there’s been a province-wide ban on burning. No joking around campfire flames. No poking logs with a stick and watching sparks drift till they disappear.

Today, raindrops kiss the earth with blessings. They kiss on both cheeks. Bless you. Bless you. Ahhh sighs the earth, “I thought I’d never see you again.” Deep in forested hills on the north side of the city dangerous kindling threatens to burst into flame. One spark could ignite hundreds of wooded acres and claim small villages.

Today’s rain dampens fire’s destructive plans. It seeps through layers of pine needles and leaves into dry compost. Rain washes dust from the trees. They sparkle in green health as if an ambitious cleaning lady had scrubbed them till they shone.


A thirsty earth drinks long and deep. Nature and humanity breathe a relieved sigh. Breezes from open windows blow papers loose from the table top. Welcome winds chase stale odors through screens and deposit fresh smells in every room. Rain is a gift from God.

He bestows rain on the earth; he sends water upon the countryside (Job 5:10)

1 comment:

Peter Black said...

Rose, with poetic rhythm your delightful ode to the blessing that rain is provided a brighter perspective to raise my gaze!
Hmm, I confess to having joined the chorus of complaint regarding "so much cold, rainy weather" in our area, so far this spring.
(Shame on me, especially in view of the flooding our friends in Manitoba have been experiencing, eh!)

Popular Posts