Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WHEN IT RAINS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY



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WHEN IT RAINS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When it rains, and with the rain
Last Line: With the golden bow of promise as it drips.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Heaven; Rain; Tears; Paradise


WHEN it rains, and with the rain
Never bird has heart to sing,
And across the window-pane
Is no sunlight glimmering;
When the pitiless refrain
Brings a tremor to the lips,
Our tears are like the rain
As it drips, drips, drips --
Like the sad, unceasing rain as it drips.

When the light of heaven's blue
Is blurred and blotted quite,
And the dreary day to you
Is but a long twilight;
When it seems that ne'er again
Shall the sun break its eclipse,
Our tears are like the rain
As it drips, drips, drips --
Like the endless, friendless rain as it drips.

When it rains! weary heart,
O be of better cheer!
The leaden clouds will part,
And the morrow will be clear;
Take up your load again,
With a prayer upon your lips,
Thanking Heaven for the rain
As it drips, drips, drips --
With the golden bow of promise as it drips.





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