Rains Have Come

The struggles and battles of Aussie's in rainless times. Glimpses of our climate!

Rain is falling from the sky

  after months and months of constant dry,

gladdening hearts, fulfilling dreams,

while from the heavens waters teem.

Rooftop drone of steady showers,

beautiful sounds in early hours,

gutters run and streets awash,

vehicles pass, sounds of splosh,

crickets hum in sodden trees,

prayers answered from bended knee,

frogs awaken in downpipes, as

  birdlife sing the end of night.

 

Daylight hours and streets agleam

  under barrage of continuing stream,

air full of refreshing scents,

washing away energies spent,

gardens sigh in weary relief,

as rainfall touches every leaf.

Farmers see end in sight, and

  an end to sleepless nights,

with stock to fatten, crops to grow, but

  constant threats of cockatoo and crow.

 

But between city, country there’s

  a twist of phrase,

‘a beautiful day’ you'll hear them say.

meaning good things within reach;

a picnic in park or a sunny beach,

but always rain such a bore

  the relentlessness of downpour,

it’s bumper to bumper traffic queues

  with taillights sometimes the only view,

late for work in timetable madness,

wet weather in bingled sadness.

 

To the farmer, the term’s so much more

  with an endless list of daily chores;

someone says, ‘It’s a beautiful day’,

whether feeding sheep or baling hay.

Rain means different things to different folk,

those who live and those who cope;

in the country it means lifeblood and

  everything we’re made of.

Sometimes the meaning of this phrase,

is simply that it rained today,

country’s heartbeat set by rain, 

never knowing when it’ll come again.

 

But let us remember too

  those who have a different view,

parts of this country for years

  never see a drop,

drying dams and dying stock with

  every day a constant struggle,

lives a mess, in such a muddle,

worries of mounting debt and

  endless prayers for times of wet,

a constant fight to survive just  

  to keep starving stock alive,

rains don’t come and crops to die,

forever waiting gifts from the sky.

Author's Note

Wrote this the other day, following a recent good fall of rain (always could do with more, as we are still in drought.) Have re-written and rearranged into a more logical progression of what I was trying to say. Thank you Chris for suggestions. Hope you like it. Feedback always welcome

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

As rainfall touches every leaf.

Second blank, I would not use the word fatten, it is a difficult one to rhyme. Suggest choosing another word altogether. Easy option.

Beautifully done Richard. You really get across the importance of rainfall to the farmer. Without it nothing will grow. You gave me strong imagery of parched land and a good contrast between rainfall on the city versus farmland. Very much enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Richard M]

Thanks Chris for reviewing, and so much for your suggestion. Love it! Such a diverse climate in Australia, evoking such emotion; in talking and praising rain, needed also to acknowledge the other. Thank you again

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome Richard.

[barleygirl]

After 9 years of drought in California, we got a killer winter this time, so I relate to your sentiments strongly. I love your rhyme & rhythm which seems effortless. The best thing about your poem is that you take the time to paint a considerable authentic picture for each different kind of person . . . something I forget to do, both in taking my time & also in picturing a wider aspect to my message. You use vivid details that really let us see & feel how the rain is received by each type (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Jade]

got this right, this whole country is falling apart, not just the USA either, each of us has our own we're passionate about and not so passionate about. This is so good.

[Richard M]

Thank you so much Brandie for your beautiful words

[Jade]

not a problem

[john l smith]

Nicely worded
We are also finally into a rainy regime after another long dry period (changing weather patterns)
Course there is California with flood after fire, how do you win?
Enjoyed the poem but am now tiring of the rain
Dave

[Richard M]

Hi John Nice to meet you! I'm glad you liked my poem. Yes, weather is crazy wherever; rain here in New South Wales, floods in Sydney and bushfires in Queensland. So very diverse.
Thank you again for reading.

[Coyote Poetry]

Rain is a blessing in many places. I enjoyed the poem. You told a real story. Thank you Richard foe sharing the worthwhile words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Richard M]

Thank you Coyote for your words.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Richard.

[Onlyme]

Excellent images are painted inside the vivid poem about rain. Simply loved and adored it.

[Richard M]

Glad you liked it Dawn, thank you for reading. Thinking of you both and hoping you're okay. xo