Winter Rain

The rain came overnight, and temps dropped

from Fahrenheit high forties to low thirties.

Raindrops pattered on the hood

of my blue REI waterproof jacket.

Needing fresh air, craving brighter outdoor light

I walk early before heavy rains and wind come.

Trees glisten with raindrops,

So pretty!

Then

I spot a dead caterpillar, upturned,

on the wet concrete sidewalk.

My heart cracks a bit at seeing it, yet

I’m hopeful a bird will be nourished in

its death.

Not in vain! Please let the small

lifeless body be used,

not turn into rainy mush.

**

No blue breaks open the sky today,

the cloud cover is a heavy, thick

gray

cocoon

that covers the Pacific Northwest

in the winter.

**

I will see no blue to cheer me up today.

Even the dark green of the Fir trees blends into the gray. Gray-green, no - gray.

Gray and dim at midday.

Yet, a Song Sparrow brightens the world,

Singing her lilting song.