Poem August 21, 1965 Issue

GRATITUDE

(On seeing photograph of farmer among his crops giving thanks for rain)

Godfrey D. C. John

Sky cannot
roof in
such rush
of summer joy:
I hear you shout
in the sudden rain
washing your eyes.
Heart is healed
of all drought.
You stand on your own
soil—drenched,
your happy hands
spread wide.
Days are rinsed clean;
roots drink again.

Whether or not
they asked you to—
the fact is you did;
and we shall recall
a man standing
out in it all
getting wet
for what he loved.
I honor you.
Under all skies
gratitude distills:
heart needs Soul's
small rain
to sweeten its intent,
to wash it through and through.

Godfrey D. C. John

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