Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE LAUGHTER OF THE RAIN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LAUGHTER OF THE RAIN, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: My very soul smiles as I listen to
Last Line: The universe to music dripping-wet!
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Laughter; Rain; Soul


The rain sounds like a laugh to me -- A low laugh poured out limpidly.

MY very soul smiles as I listen to
The low, mysterious laughter of the rain,
Poured musically over heart and brain
Till sodden care, soaked with it through and through,
Sinks; and with wings wet with it as with dew,
My spirit flutters up, with every stain
Rinsed from its plumage, and as white again
As when the old laugh of the rain was new.
Then laugh on, happy Rain! laugh louder yet! --
Laugh out in torrent-bursts of watery mirth;
Unlock thy lips of purple cloud, and let
Thy liquid merriment baptize the earth,
And wash the sad face of the world, and set
The universe to music dripping-wet!





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