Rain

The sound of thunder in the distance
And the lightning cracked in vain
The clouds, with gray and grimy looks
Are shedding themselves of rain

Raindrops drummed on the rooftops
Rain lashed at the window panes
Rain swirled and swished in the gutters
Rain washed out the streets and lanes

Rain hurled itself at the lamp-posts
Rain spat on the dusty pavement
Rain slashed away at the feeble bushes
Rain came down in a massive torrent

After a while, the rain slowed down
Almost stopped, save a drizzle
The clouds, from their brows, dispelled a frown
Gone was the thunder and the dazzle

Rain fell softly on velvety flower petals
Rain pittered-pattered on the trees
Rain gently knocked on the beehive door
And wet the wings of the bees

The soft rain aroused the bud from its slumber,
And caused the birds to shake their wings
Rain suddenly stopped; having touched the soul
Of all such beautiful and wonderful things

If Only

If only I could be a little flower
Living to bloom innocently for a day
Sweet and charming, blushing with colour
Drooping into death with the sun’s last ray

If only I could be a fluttering butterfly
Resplendent in a fantastic riot of colours
Flying where I please, aiming for the sky,
With no restrictions, no mundane barriers

If only I could be a small fleecy cloud,
Floating with the wind, drifting here and there
Momentarily hiding the sun behind my shroud,
Having no responsibility, no worry, no care

If only I could be a drifting bubble
A shifting kaleidoscope of rainbow hues
Free from life’s misery and trouble
Bursting into nothingness, whenever I choose

If only I didn’t have to wish to be any of these;
If only I could live my life just the way I please...