The Song of Spring!

The end of October brought with it the beginning of the rain. The arid land, seared vegetation, parched livestock, and dessicated wells craved for water, and it has at long last arrived! Hot days scorch the earth, while evening winds whirl the day's dust into eddies, swaying the tree branches and creating a rain welcoming song. With each powerful gust, lights flicker, and the electricity threatens to slumber to avoid the approaching commotion.

The first pounding rain drops, welcome a cacophony of croaking frogs. A distant rumble of thunder is added to the composition, followed by the strobe light flashing, fireworks of lightning. The rain drops multiply and their sound intensifies, as thunder shakes the ground at my feet. The turbulent wind roars by the house. Branches are ripped from the trees. The rhythmic drumming of raindrops deepens. I'm lulled to sleep by the harmonious concord of the enchanting thunderstorm.

The formidable strength of the storm has cleared the land of tangled undergrowth and nourished all things green with revitalizing water. After every storm is a brand new day. The saturated ground sprouts with new growth as wild grasses and weeds breach the surface of the moist mud. Flowers salute the sun with opened petals. Birds sing their symphonies and welcome the vibrant sunshine, perched high in the trees. Insects of all shapes and sizes crawl on the water logged paths, as they have been washed from their homes and hiding places.




Rain has replenished reservoirs of water, and news quickly spreads as children dash and dart this way and that to gather empty buckets and pails in rusty wheelbarrows and race to the nearest pump. Many children miss school to end the drought at their homes.


Rains have saturated the soil, softening the nutrient rich Earth. Mothers and kokwanas take the fields to till the soil and prepare for a season of planting. Many gather at the street's edge, peeling burlap bags of raw peanuts and discarding the shells on the trodden paths.

The village is alive. Spring has stimulated a swarm of activity. Nature is creating its masterpiece and singing its song this spring.