Rain in the desert is beautiful and eerie.
The massive forms of the Catalina Mountains are shrouded
In a gray, umbrageous canopy,
Banished to memories of sunny days.
Thunder rolls across the Tucson valley,
Echoing the numinous language of the monsoon.
Hail, wind and rain raise their voices above the thunder
In a three-part harmony.
Staccato music is heard in the midst of the deluge.
Its rhythm is the heartbeat of the desert.
Slowly, the intensity of the monsoon ebbs.
Globules of rain hang from cactus spines,
Appearing to be windows to a world of desert sprites.
Water settles into rippling mirrors that soon disappear
When the showering ceases.
Birds chirp their applause for the splendid show.
Clouds part like curtains,
Allowing the last droplets of rain to take their bows,
And let the first rays of sunshine peak through.
The sunshine glitters in resplendent droplet jewels,
And a rainbow stretches like a banner In the sky.

This poem was published by Creative Communications when I entered it in a contest.