Signs of Rain
Posted on September 20, 2018
by Linda Lee Lyberg
41 Comments
Ponderous gray steel sky,
birds flocking to feeders for fuel
foretelling that a storm is coming
as a stillness falls and the air is cool
Slate clouds hang low and heavy
longing to be free of their burden
yearning to give back to the desert
bringing color to the baked dry earth
Saguaros no longer fat and plump
for they’ve used all their water reserves
the wildflowers gone, now dried and rustling
spreading their seed in the desert winds
Though there are signs that rain is soon
the clouds have yet to burst open, spew forth
so the land waits with hope and impatience
Praying for the evening monsoon…
coming with the waxing of the Harvest moon
©2018 Linda Lee Lyberg
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Beautiful. We read those signs, but so does the earth! I love this personification:
“. . . the land waits with hope and impatience
Praying for the evening monsoon.”
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Thank you so very much.
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This is beautiful Linda. I love the idea of the clouds bursting open and spewing forth.
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A very striking image Linda
“Saguaros no longer fat and plump
for they’ve used all their water reserves”
much love…
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Thank you so much. Peace, love and light to you!
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Some strong writing and a good finish here Linda.
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Thank you so much. I appreciate you reading!
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Nice last lines: “Praying for the evening monsoon..
coming with the waxing of the Harvest moon”
May rain come soon.
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Thank you so much Frank. And it did, last night.
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i love the mood just before a thunder storm and your poem captures that beautifully
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Thank you so much- appreciate you stopping by!
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I know the desert and grew to love it… I left before the monsoon came, but the sagging saguaros I can see… may they soon be plump again.
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Thank you Bjorn. The desert is spectacular.
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I like the personification in this. I also like the thoughts of the saguaros thin from having used their reserves of rain. I am glad it rained last
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Yes, as am I. Thank you so much Toni.
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Having spent my life in the Midwest where rains are frequent and welcome, I found your poem to describe the desert exactly as I pictured it … impatiently longing for rain. Good write!
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Thank you for the kind words Beverly!
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We were not in Arizona for the rain – thanks for illustrating it so well.
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Absolutely! Thank you kindly.
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You captured that waiting with impatience for the evening monsoon. Looks like we are having one tonight too.
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How wonderful for you Grace! May I ask where you are located? If you’d rather not say, I understand.
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Love this…brought me back to when I lived in AZ and monsoon season would arrive…not only was the rain anticipated but the skies were some of the most beautiful ever seen when the storms were gathering. Nicely penned.
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Thank you!
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You have described the anticipation of long awaited rain. Dark clouds waiting to let loos a monsoon of rain.
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Yes, thank you Dwight.
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Amazing shot. I am so jealous of the lightning photo, I just cant seem to get lucky!
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Not mine, I’m afraid. But it is stunning!
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Thats ok.. It’s the thought that counts! 😁
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I love this waiting; it’s almost like a prayer. Beautiful, Linda.
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Thank you Sumana.
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I love the anticipation in the second stanza and the way your words gently unfold the scene. In some places, we can really take rain for granted.
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Thank you Mish. I agree. I’m originally from Texas and it rained a lot.
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yearning to give back to the desert…that infinite pause. (K)
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Yes. Thank you for stopping by.
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This was really great, Linda!! I love desert showers! Great line – “Praying for the evening monsoon.” Perfect photo!!! Bravo!!!
xoxoxo
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thanks Chuck.
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Lovely capture!
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Thank you for your kind words
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I know this thirsty irony you have caught so well, to have signs of rain, and yet no rain comes. (I grew up in Utah). Now as an AL girl when we have signs of rain we have, well… rain. 🤷🏻♀️
I agree with other comments about how your words draw out the desperate expectancy. 🌵
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Thank you for your lovely comments.
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