Merlion City 4

ODE TO THE RAIN A rare happening here, this dreary drought: The dry earth chokes and trees are fast fading, Reservoir water stock is drying out. The dry weather is truly worrying, We bear the foul odours of wind-blown haze, Health concerns with ash now escalating. We feel the choking air in smelly daze, See long clinic queues with breathing ailments, Polluted smog and hazy fare spurs craze. Our dry ordeal lingers with harsh statements, Our nearby neighbour's post-harvest burnings; Political talks brought vain agreements. No amount of talk brings clear resolving, So here we sit and wait and pray for rain, Our medicine men are busy chanting. Forty days of drought feels enlightening, And suddenly a burst of wetness falls: Due change of healing moisture now drowsing. Truth heralds clear that prayer brings rainfall, Faith still moves mountains and wet clouds charade, The heartfelt word goes forth to echo call. Drenching rain and more rain on our parade, Happy children rain-dancing wildly free, For water pools and cools and moves all trade. This aqueous spring revives all greenery, Smiles and sheer delight for wet weather shows, See wetness bring freshness that now sets free. An attitude of gratitude funds glow, A sparkle of delight now flows and grows! Leon Enriquez 16 Mar 2014 Singapore