between a rock and softness
rather drawn afraid to lean
mirky quickness looms the puddle
pivot strength the tower seems
or to juggle, maybe bounce
the to to fro the two extremes
for to topple or to sink
or to smother stillness' dreams

would the balance be enough
to meter out a just reward
if to lose the puddle moisture
rock would topple down towards
condescending thankful droplets
side to side, behind to forward
until all surrounding creatures
saturated thanks they roared

for the Lord has sent us moisture
never a catastrophe
if the splat were heard in heaven
joyful thanks the praise would be
not the drying of an ocean
not the wasting of a sea
but a spreading of resources
for a parched humanity
 
 

Ian Kerridge  1995               back to Poetry Index