The Poetry Corner

Old Man Rain

By Madison Julius Cawein

Old Man Rain at the windowpane Knocks and fumbles and knocks again: His long-nailed fingers slip and strain: Old Man Rain at the windowpane Knocks all night but knocks in vain. Old Man Rain. Old Man Rain at the windowpane Reels and shambles along the lane: His old gray whiskers drip and drain: Old Man Rain with fuddled brain Reels and staggers like one insane. Old Man Rain. Old Man Rain is back again, With old Mis' Wind at the windowpane, Dancing there with her tattered train: Her old shawl flaps as she whirls again In the wildman dance and is torn in twain. Old Mis' Wind and Old Man Rain.