O but the rain

This is what the rain does
         when it comes in heavy bursts
that last a day or more
         it catches us by surprise
and seems to be an affront
         to our carefree natures
how dare the heavens
         rain on our parade
it drives us into self-reflection
         and the remembrance
of rains past
         when we were children
and the summer games
         were suddenly suspended
or when we were lovers
         about to embark

It is a spanner in our works
         necessary rain
that swells the fruit’s
         sweet succulence
perks up lush lawns
         of chlorophyll
yet is so often cursed
         through windows
stained with the bitter tears
         of broken dreams

John Lyons