The rain sweats
and evaporates into the ocean of its air.
The ocean continues on its way
continually overflowing here and there
in quick little splashes
or reckless floods and drenching . . .
Sometimes it falls on bare rocks
at others it raises large forests of leafing trees.
—from “Rainfall” by Andrew Motion
* * *
Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
and caused the dawn to know its place . . . ?
Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
that a flood of waters may cover you . . . ?
Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer thee?
I lay my hand on my mouth.
—from the Book of Job
