THE FIRST RAIN

For many days the earth was dry, Dust slept on every leaf, The roads looked tired, The wind had forgotten its song, And even the noon wanted relief. Then a dark cloud came, Alone at first, Soon many followed behind, They covered the proud hot sun And cooled the restless mind. The first drop fell on my hand, Another fell near my feet, Then thousands came together, Drumming on roofs, Running through every street, Making the smell of wet earth sweet. Children came out laughing, Birds shook water from their wings, The trees stood newly washed, And from every little corner Life began to sing. Rain stayed only for a while, Then travelled somewhere new, But it left one thought behind— Even a tired world Can begin again too.