Anna M. Stratulat

“listen when it’s raining
as the water hits the ground
and you’ll hear a million secrets
that are hidden in that sound

the pitter patter raindrops
hold the whispered words inside
of the people who have shared them
with the velvet midnight sky

the drops that pound the pavement
spill out anger loud and harsh
they’re the words and thoughts of people
who have cried out to the stars

the rain that adds to oceans
and their vast capacious flow
is the grief of people holding on
for fear of letting go

the waters flooding cities
overwhelming homes and towns
are the silent words of suffering
entrusted to the clouds

and when the clouds are heavy,
when our feelings fill the sky,
when our thoughts are too oppressive
then the Earth begins to cry

so listen when it’s raining
if you’re quiet then you’ll hear
all the secrets and emotions
that are muffled by Earth’s tears”

– Becky Hemsley