the rains

This is the most gorgeous time of day.
I awake early here, 3-4am.
In the dark just before dawn, all is still.
Even the birds haven't yet recognized that a new day is emerging.
I open the door, letting in the fresh night air,
filling my room with the stillness, the quiet.
Then, the stillness is pierced with the first birdsong,
gentle, precious...as if in thanks that there, indeed,
is new life beyond the dark of night.
Within minutes, other birds test their voices against the dawn.
Soon, they sing, one to the other, creating a chorus
that surrounds me in the stillness and the dawn.

Then, all becomes silent,
and in the stillness, I hear the gentle rapping of isolated tears from heaven.
Soon, it is a light, steady, quiet rain,
barely visible but, oh so fresh!

Now, the heavens open and the light rain
turns to a drenching, steady downpour.
The rain, though, comes straight down,
unhindered by wind
and the sound swells to fill the stillness.

The beauty in this moment is astounding,
so very awesome.
I am so honored to live this moment,
in this place,
witness to the elegance and brilliance
of nature,
caring for us,
calling us,
reminding us that
we are one with this earth,
we are one with each other.

In bearing witness to the astounding beauty around us,
we honor the precious life
given so freely to us.