Rain In The Early Summer (2) Poem by Gert Strydom

(after G. A. Watermeyer)

The house stands steady and in it I am safe
while I write verses to a darling-woman,

the roof's plates are tightly bolted down,
compost and seed have been spaded into the garden,

the storm-drains are clean of leaves
when thunderbolt after thunderbolt do accentuate the terrible bad weather,

the doves, the yellow barbet, the black-collard barbet and yellow weaver frolic
fill the windowsill when the first drops shine against the window,

while the days of constant great rain do come
and with the sprouting vegetables I am astounded:

beans, spinach, red peppers and chillies do appear
and through the rain the redbreast sings and dances until it does end

where comfortable inside I do find shelter with two old people,
do trust on Your mercy and provision like a child,

outside the lawn and sidewalks has been mown,
the flowering lilies are growing past knee-height

the apricots, peaches, plums, figs and prickly pears fill the branches
the white, red and yellow Iceberg roses flower frantically.


[Reference:"Reën in die voorwinter" (Rain in the early winter)by G. A. Watermeyer.]

© Gert Strydom