I Love the Smell in the Morning

I love the smell in the morning
        after a rain!
Cool, crisp air, sharp with pungency of wet leaves,
    aromatic as of close juniper.
Mists swirling low to the ground,
    hovering over the newly plowed fields,
    tending each clod with maternal care.

 I love the smell in the morning
         after a rain!
Sunlight dampened by season's first fog—
    delightful interplay of air, fire and water
                                 over earth.
Muted ball of fire, risen bright,
         now orange with stripes,
    struggling to exude its warming rays.

I love the smell in the morning
         after a rain!
Breath that lingers long and hangs just in front,
    twisting upward, sideways,
         then leaving not a trace.
Vague moistness under foot and remnant puddles,
    softening the former crunch of leaves into sounds of cats' footfalls.

I love the smell in the morning
         after a rain!
Tantalizing reminders of life, of hope, of more!
    Promises given of an abundant rain.
Send it now once again, O Lord,
    The early and latter rain,
        The Reign of your Spirit in us!

- D. Benning