The rain washes away the sorrow
It cleanses the impurity of the years before
and soothes the shallow breathing of the old man.
Pitter, patter, pitter, patter on the old tin roof
Melodies of days long gone when forsooth
I was a younger man, of stronger mettle.
The rain washes away the sin and surrender
Purifies the pungent putrid memories of this life before
Soothes the sallow sagging skeleton that sits beside the bed.
Drip, drop, drip, drop, drip, drop on the old tin shed
Reminds me of all the things I still have left unsaid
To those who loved me beyond the bounds of duty and sanity.
The rain washes away the pain and the punishment
Washes away the abusive torture and the brutal beatings.
Rain brings reparation for a wretched soul in search of absolution.
Pitter, patter, drip, drop, pitter, patter, payday
As my sins have been forgiven I forgive them their sinful way
Forgive my wartime crimes Lord. Take my soul today.
© Alison Jean Hankinson
The theme tonight at d’Verse was rain, and it was supposed to be a positive contribution. I spent many years in NZ and rain is often seen as symbolic, it is cleansing or purifying, so in the image (from pixabay) the rain and rainbow would be seen as celebratory. I think atonement is positive but perhaps not quite what would have been expected.
Hues of Hankinson 