14 October: Of Autumn Rain

14 October: Of Autumn Rain

What can be said of autumn rain?

The slight chill accompanies,

The day tinged in darkening gray,

The soft patter of the slow shower,

Locked in for the duration.

What can be said of October storms?

Have the bolts shown brighter?

Has the sky gone darker?

Does the chill dig deeper?

The rain has never been wetter!

What can be said of these October showers?

They breed hot drinks on a drizzly afternoon,

They bear dry leaves to their timely demise.

They wash away the summer-strewn dusts,

This lingering cleanse before winter’s dress.

What more can I say of an autumn rain?

One more layer of clothing applied,

One more minute to get ready,

One more excuse to dawdle indoors,

One more reminder of the years’ close.

Say what you will of the autumn rain:

Say that it adds to October gloom,

Say that it is not convenient,

Say even that it is not wanted,

When has it ever done as you have said?

What can be said of the October rain?

Even this can be celebrated.

The dust is settled,

The earth is cooled,

And your coziest chair silently awaits…

Cliff Lake 10/14/2026

CliffSongs