Poetry Pause is the League of Canadian Poets’ daily poetry dispatch. Read “Three Ways to Gather Rain” by Kimberly Peterson, part of the League’s Fresh Voices program.

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Three Ways to Gather Rain

By Kimberly Peterson

i.

Tiptoe to the thin edge

of a lake. Stare across

to the opposite shore.

Watch pregnant clouds crown

until their water breaks.

Let others douse charcoal grills,

fold blankets, lug coolers to trunks,

slam car doors.

Stay to watch infant drops

overtake ancient waves.

Take off your cap.

Turn into a cup.

ii.

Let high-stepping rain

call you into the street.

Strip down to skivvies. Steal

the tin lid from a neighbour’s

garbage can. Turn its downside

up. Dance cloudburst calypso.

Don’t worry if water tips out.

The supply of gray skies

is endless.

iii.

Beneath a downspout,

place a barrel. When

its burden sloshes

over the brim,

smile lightening,

chuckling thunder.

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Copyright © Kimberly Peterson

Kimberly Peterson is a retired nurse who lives on the unceded lands of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg in rural Ottawa. Inspired by the wildlife that surrounds her, she is thankful for her partner. He cares for gardens that welcome pollinators, fills bird feeders, and understands that poetry takes priority over (almost) everything.

Fresh Voices is a publication and workshop program created by and for the League’s associate members.

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