Searching For Rain

An expanse of pregnant clouds gather 
I hesitate mid-step in petrichor air
anticipating a breakthrough, a rumble 
the rain.

A lone desert tortoise roots for water
as he subsists on tiny droplets
he hunts for pearls of condensation
collecting on sparse foliage 
scarce puddles of liquid gold
that form in the early morning dew.

Searching for rain in the desert wastelands
a lone bald eagle scavenges for food 
to feed to her young fledglings
who eagerly await her return.

The desert languishes, barren and lifeless
waiting in anticipation at the dawn of day
day after day, month after month
until today...

As now, I look and wait, fresh rain appears
heaven sent, it's moist jewels escape
from the sky, falling down in heavy droplets
upon the thirsty ground
bringing new life to a dry and weary land.



Rewritten on 1/11/2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Watt Avatar
July 27, 2016 at 12:37 AM
Wonderful imagery, Laura. Love the way you compare water to pearls, gold, and jewels painting a picture of its scarcity and precious value in the desert. Also love the phrase, "pregnant clouds". Great write, congrats on the win. Blessings ~ John
Leiser Avatar
July 27, 2016 at 4:45 PM
I'm glad you liked this one, John! Living in California, rain is a very precious commodity, as you well know!
Allison Avatar
July 25, 2016 at 3:49 PM
Dropping back with my congrats on your win Laura:-) hugs Jan xx
Leiser Avatar
July 25, 2016 at 11:59 PM
Thank you, Lin :)
Leiser Avatar
July 25, 2016 at 11:59 PM
Thank you, Jan! Sorry my earlier comment skipped to you!
Lane Avatar
July 25, 2016 at 3:06 PM
Rain in the desert is very special. Well done in this contest, Laura. Nice to read you.
Leiser Avatar
July 26, 2016 at 12:00 AM
Thank you, Lin :)
Allison Avatar
June 11, 2016 at 2:38 PM
such wonderful imagery I especially love the pregnant clouds, pearls of condensation and liquid gold - great write Laura good luck in the contest:-) hugs Jan xx
Leiser Avatar
June 11, 2016 at 2:40 PM
Thank you, Jan! Glad you liked this :)
Thirtyseven Avatar
June 11, 2016 at 9:19 AM
And doesn't life return quickly when the rain finally falls. I was enchanted from the first, and smiling at the end. Great read.
Leiser Avatar
June 11, 2016 at 2:32 PM
Thank you for your kind comments, Scott. Glad you liked it :)
Haight Avatar
June 8, 2016 at 1:57 PM
Such a beautiful poem, Laura. Yes, rain can be "liquid gold" when it is scarce. I like how your imagery paints the parched desert scene and how glorious it is when the clouds release the miracle they await. Best wishes for the contest. 7 Hugs, Sandra
Leiser Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 8:44 PM
Thank you, Sandra, for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed reading my poem. Rain is scarce here in southern California, and we always welcome it here!
Daniel Avatar
June 8, 2016 at 4:21 AM
Such a lovely way to describe rain - "pearls of condensation" "heaven sent, it's moist jewels escape from the sky":) Sure to win:) A #7:)
Leiser Avatar
June 8, 2016 at 8:03 AM
Thank you, Jo. I try to find new ways to describe the "every day" things that we see. I appreciate your kind words :)
Raina Avatar
June 5, 2016 at 11:13 PM
I liked the way you mentioned 'pregnant clouds'.....good luck in the contest!
Leiser Avatar
June 5, 2016 at 11:17 PM
Thank you, Meenakshi! I appreciate your kind comments :)
Godwin Avatar
June 5, 2016 at 6:36 PM
Great imagery. An enjoyable read that drew me in. Good luck in all things ... CayCay
Leiser Avatar
June 5, 2016 at 8:22 PM
Thank you again, CayCay, for your kind response, and I'm happy you enjoyed my poem :)
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