This welcome rain
       for which the earth
has so long thirsted
       the dust it will dissolve
and drain away
       leaving the streets
refreshed and the grass
       greener and the trees
in the ancient woodland
       majestically resplendent

Each day is a page turned
       in this life-script
and sometimes I marvel
       at the distance I have travelled
since I sang as a child
       and gathered chestnuts
in autumns past
       and such a long time
in which to grow old
       in my young heart

A frame a time frame
       in which to fit
a pretty picture
       cheekbones and long
flowing sable hair
       and hazel eyes
a breathless beauty
       and however much love
a man and woman can live
       and never tire

John Lyons