Winter rain is
Gentle, lyrical
Settling in
Creosote-scented like summer
More mint-flavored as I sip herbal tea inside
Winter rain is
Welcomed
Walked in, played in without worry of lightning
A relief from drought of water and of writing
Shrouding the mountains
Often overlooked
Winter rain is
Counted on, necessary
Second-most sustainer of Sonoran Desert life
Reviving the frozen-back bird of paradise
Emboldening the penstemons
Kickstarting the weeds and wildflowers
Grey skies through bare mesquite branches and blooming rosemary
Soaking into the ground
Topping off my love of the desert in all its seasons
