Gentle rain

It's dim

all around

and the rain

caresses

the fogged window

and the mirrored pavement

on the street below

as if prompted

by mysterious command

of sudden, imperious tenderness

while the drenched earth

rejoices

in the subtle, misty tones

of winter bloom

and the bashful, thin ice

imposed on the pond

by early freeze

cracks

in a sparkling smile

of impish relief.