Rain Is Mother's Tears

Rain Is Mother's Tears
Yong Wan Choi
The years were steeped in seawater
and I grew in their embrace
on the road I walked alone after leaving that embrace
on days I wandered thirsty
thunder and lightning scattered the black clouds
a life barely afloat, clinging to a reed leaf
laughter without knowing why
sorrow that will not stop
a life rushing off somewhere
drifted away on the rapids of a sudden shower

from a rain-soaked daydream
I woke with a washed soul
and rain pools in a life born again
bowed before a bowl of gathered water
mother's prayer
is tears that see the smile of heaven

longing for that embrace that held my face
the rain rises and blooms into cloud-flowers

March 5, 2006 (for the pastor's wife's 65th birthday)