- Praying for the Rain –
              (a villanelle variation)

    that ride a seeming, never-ending train's 
    dark ghosts whose sorrows sting like stirred-up bees. 
    Have you considered praying for the rain 

    that beckons gently, offering for your gain 
    its healing power to still the dashing seas 
    through sabled storms and clouds of crippling pain’s 

    cold, dreary hours, when all of life’s a drain. 
    There is a balm as gentle as a breeze. 
    Have you considered praying for the rain 

    that longs to heal and keep your spirit sane? 
    You’ll find the sweetest showers on your knees. 
    Have you considered praying for the rain, 

   the well of Living Water of His name, 
   Whose beauteous fountains answer humble pleas 
   through sabled storms and clouds of crippling pain. 

    The faith required is small, a meager grain, 
    as tiny as the ancient mustard seed's. 
    Have you considered praying for the rain 
    through sabled storms and clouds of crippling pain?
 

Anne Bryant-Hamon
   Feb - 2000 A.D.