Spirit Cloud

"What is rain, mother?"
asked the sparrow’s child,
long after the time of the last flood.

"I will show you," said earth.
"Gather a spirit cloud
and place it within my water jar.
Be careful not to spill for the well is dry.

Let it fill with thoughts of thirst
until it is puffed with importance;
let it fly like balloons
in every color to amuse the sky.

As it touches the top of brittle tree,
it will pierce it with an arrow of fire.
When the dry lake and river run gold,
you will know the meaning
of rain."