Rainy day poetry

A poetry lover since childhood, I've been thinking about posting a poem here once in a while. The last few days I've been reveling in the rain - a rare event in Southern California. Having lived much of my life in the dramatic climates of rain-infused places like coastal British Columbia and the sub-tropical Bahamas, I miss the rain - which inspired a poem:

When it rains

I love the rain.

It can’t help it,

The first drops tentative

as if testing

the atmosphere.

A vanguard. 

Are conditions right?

Then the other troops

of loyal raindrops follow

in succession.

A brave brigade,

a deluge

without forethought.

Streams

a cloud’s instinct

wet

pure

falling.

I love the rain.

Helpless,

the first drops exploratory

as if, to tease.

Or maybe,

issue a warning.

Just enough time

to find
a compact umbrella

and unfurl it.

I love the rain

It can’t help it.

And the air

it leaves

behind.

Wet

sweet

pure.

*

The rain came at a time when, by coincidence, I'm working on a painting about a rainy night.  I'll post it when it's done. Meanwhile, let me know if you like the idea of a poem here once in a while.