The Bow in the Sky

In misty afternoon, amid

The light rainfall on em’rald grass,

When past have drifted clouds that hid

The sunlight, rays now cast

Against the canvas of the sky’s

Deep periwinkle-tinted hue,

An arch of splendid color bright

Clad in the falling dew.

Fair bands of crimson, azure, gold,

Above the meadow’s dampened ground

Cast up toward hazy heav’ns a bow

Of glory most profound.

Yon’ rainbow shimm’ring in the mist

Holds promise ancient as the day

When mountains rose and skies were rent - 

All rains shall flow away.

Destruction lasts but short a time,

And rainfall swift and thunders loud

May rage until the evening light;

Yon’ rainbow gleams in clouds.