RAIN

Here’s the pool, close to the lake Where the humming rainbow flies Seek their prey with myriad eyes, Where the maple, touched with red, Bends across the dusty pool, Bathing in its welcome cool, Sunspots break the veil of leaves Like diluted drops of gold, Cloud the pool with dust-like mold. Now the sunspots fade away. Buzzing flies hum louder still, Tense the air hangs damp and chill, And the maple’s glittering leaves Turn their silver-frosted backs To the wind. A pine-tree cracks. On its breast the first rain falls. Drops like pebbles sharply pelt, Widen to a ring, and melt.