The rain, oh, how I love you so much. Your presence may leave some people feeling gloomy, especially when they were expecting your sunny friend; the sun. But not me. Your stay brings nothing but joy and hope.

I don't get how people can look at you and not be thrilled with the way you calm everything down---or, they way you leave the dying fall leaves wet and shivery. Who are these people who lower their eyebrows when you're around? Do they not see how valuable you are to the cycle of things?

The trees benefit from you. The planet is given a chance to cool off because of you. And animals, like birds, and tiny critters are able to have a meal because of what you do. Perhaps it's the optimist in me; but when I stare at your angry tears, gentle tears, and tears of uncertainty---you know, the type when you're not sure what's upsetting you so you cry for a little bit but then stop, and then, you cry again, I can't help but love you all the more! It is my prayer that you are never ashamed of your tears, Rain---because they are pleasant and oh, so soothing.

In my eyes, you are like a toddler, who needs nothing but love no matter how he or she is feeling. I want you to know, Rain, that whatever is bothering you up there in the clouds---or whatever cloud buddies of yours are picking on you---your tears down here are not in vain. Dionne Warwick once wrote, "Crying is cleansing. There's a reason for tears...,' and if she can learn to adjust her perspective like that, then so can you.