Raindrops parry through
the particulate air
splattering on roofs
crusted with dust and pollen
crashing onto smog laden leaves,
to finally pelt cement and asphalt,
shattering the drops
a thousand times again.
Alleyways creased with ancient urine
and sticky dried bin seepage
receive their shower with a stink,
while endless roadways moisten, fill,
their gaining waters
mixing and running with lurid oils
gyrating on their surfaces.
On nearby hills,
parched beds and ravines,
rivulets begin, join arms,
becoming streams
to anoint the arid land once again.
Twigs soften, stones move, bark swells
and birds find feasts everywhere.
Even coyote and cougar somehow know
their prey will be rounder soon.
Rinsing the canyons and landscapes,
the clouds with their rain,
the perfect tilt of the earth,
have done their stellar work.