RAIN AFTER DROUGHT

A poem in memory of a friend who also loved rain. Reposting it as all the rest of my earlier poems seem to have vanished, along with most episodes of soviet union journey.

Yesterday at dusk

a few fat raindrops

redolent with responsibility

for the thirsty earth

fell through the gasping air.

Last night as we slept

and before even the birds

woke to sing matins,

the clouds wept and the rain fell.

Now the smell of damp dust

rises towards the birdsong,

welcome as the scent of lilac,

so dry has it been for so long.