Summer Rain

The parched earth between the long rhythmic rows of corn
Puffs up in small clouds as I slowly explore the long narrow aisle
Amid the towering plants shading me from the blazing heat
Not surprisingly I can hear the unfolding of millions of leaves crackling
Like the embers of an early kindling campfire
As they open up to the early afternoon sun
As if reaching out to introduce their succulent husks for a blessing
Day after day reaching up and pulling life from the earth
Yet in its majestic frailty all is now at risk of withering in the deep summer heat
 
But in all this heat and dryness, as I walk slowly a new rhythm begins
Patting and popping as big cold droplets end their long freefalls
From dark clouds that have been sent in silently from the distance
I look up into the rain as the sound becomes a hiss then a full roar in seconds
Then caught in this forest of rigid rows my pace quickens. A decision is needed
On whether to run back or run forward or to simply to continue to explore
There is no easy way out. I can run back, try to hide
Or go forward in hope that as I set out I will reach my goal
 
Yet the forest of tall husks virtually cries out in joy with every drop
As this critical nourishment cools its leaves and nurtures its roots
And little rivulets of life begin to flow between the rows
Loosening the soil in between and bringing refreshment
My steps splash yet I somehow feel protected and more at one with all
Realizing clearly that even what we try to arrange life in perfect rows
Organizing, planning and producing all we can
Indeed marveling at great accomplishments of human invention
 
In this place again I realize that nothing of noble human invention works at all
Without His all loving hand, creating again and again all that is, for us
Because of and through His divine love and care
 His grace rains upon us and thus only do we even live at all
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