There are rains that drag fog skirts Across the country-side in stealthy hiss, That, gently, in determination Dampens down the grass with sodden kiss Of sky to earth as caring as a mother Calms her resting child. There are rains of panicked horses’ hooves That illuminate their stampede With angry lightning flashing on black roofs While trees sway and shudder in dismay And water demons pound on window panes. But some rains come and merely sit And drum in steady patient siege, Work soft hammers on the dents and wrinkles of the day Smoothing anger and distress to flat peace, Tempt shy dreams to peek from hidden thoughts And welcome in safe surrender to sleep’s release.