Joseph S. Cotter, Jr.
RAIN MUSIC
On the dusty earth-drum
Beats the falling rain;
Now a whispered murmur,
Now a louder strain.
Slender silvery drumsticks,
On the ancient drum,
Beat the mellow music,
Bidding life to come.
Chords of earth awakened,
Notes of greening spring,
Rise and fall triumphant
Over everything.
Slender silvery drumsticks
Beat the long tattoo—
God the Great Musician
Calling life anew.
COMPENSATION
I plucked a rose from out a bower fair,
That overhung my garden seat;
And wondered I if, e’er before, bloomed there
A rose so sweet.