It's raining... it's pouring... and "Cathedrals" are looming

I thought the saying was, “April showers bring May flowers…” but with the frequency of June rain I am wondering if July wants to bloom, too! In that light (or cloud) I found this post to share with ten poems about rain. The blogger gives a brief commentary about each one, but this introductory thought struck me as very true and relatable:

I will share my favorite one below, but wanted to invite you to sit with them and choose your own favorite first—let me know in the comments which one you chose and why.

TEN POEMS ABOUT RAIN TO STIR THE HEART

While my husband and I were dating I recognized that he was the more contemplative! I might have the gift of finding words to express these ineffable experiences, but I owe much to his encouragement for me to slow and watch the rain fall… There was one time in particular that I literally sat in my car and watched droplets make their way down the window—which led to a poem I hope someday to find a home to publish.

Here’s a similar poem by Emily Dickinson. Not that I consider myself anything similar to her, but the zooming in and out completely shifts the normal disappointment rain brings to a refreshing perspective. After all, we wouldn’t have flowers, or apples, without the rain.

A drop fell on the apple tree
Another on the roof;
A half a dozen kissed the eaves,
And made the gables laugh.
A few went out to help the brook,
That went to help the sea.
Myself conjectured, Were they pearls,
What necklaces could be!
The dust replaced in hoisted roads,
The birds jocoser sung;
The sunshine threw his hat away,
The orchards spangles hung.
The breezes brought dejected lutes,
And bathed them in the glee;
The East put out a single flag,
And signed the fête away.
-Emily Dickinson (1830-1886); In the Public Domain.

Which of the 10 poems did I choose?

I chose “Rain” by Raymond Carver. Here is the complete poem. I had never heard of Carver but the few minutes of searching and scrolling I did preparing this make me want to learn more…

If it’s raining where you are like it is here in NW Wisconsin today maybe you’re in the mood (and have a little extra indoor time) to read Carver’s short story, “Cathedrals.” It is definitely worth it!