Rain

Rain


I learned to dream by watching the dog dream
in his sleep, until he died and left me to dream
all by myself.

In 1966, I imagined myself born with a thirst
so large the rain stopped outside and started
again in my skull.

Then, it is 1991 and John and I drive through
reservation farmland and a summer storm, heat
lightning and rain so hard we can't see
through the windshield.

But to my right, the sun breaks through black
clouds, a circle of light so perfect I want to
be there now, standing in some anonymous field,
finally a Child of the Sun.

"John," I say. "I want to find that place,
but it must be miles away."

"Junior," he tells me. "It's closer than you
think.


Sherman Alexie...........from Old Shirts & New Skins