Walking Rain
It has no legs but the rain is
walking the space the White Cloud
travels. Earth’s bronzed hard hand
welcomes Neomonni’s turned-down
lip. Where parched mountain mouths
grow stiff with waiting, thirsty bones
wrinkle, rattling the distant hills’
enchantment beyond the Trail of Tears.
“Walking Rain”, watermedia on paper by Randall David Tipton. Used with permission. Poem by Maureen Doallas, author of Neruda’s Memoirs: Poems
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Try your hand?
Write a poem of your own, based on the painting by Tipton, or the phrase “Walking Rain.” Post on your blog and link to us (we love that), or just drop your poems here in the comment box.
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naquillity says
what a great poem. the image or title is a great springboard for writing. have a great day~
Maureen Doallas says
Thank you for your lovely comment. So pleased you enjoyed it.
Neomonni was a Native American, an Iowa chief; his name means “Rain Cloud”, according to what I was able to learn about him. His rank was lower than that of White Cloud.
path of treasure says
I was inspired by the art as well as Maureen’s poem– both beautiful. Here is the link to the poem:
http://pathoftreasure.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/thirst-the-sky/
Maureen Doallas says
Thank you for your lovely, contemplative poem. This line really stands out: “I walk on cracked // grounds that bleed dust.”
Debbie Young says
The hungry earth draws cool moisture into itself.
Maryellen Brady says
what an amazing poem,beautiful descriptions!
Maureen Doallas says
Thank you so much for your generous comment.
laura says
Your words and Randall David Tipton’s art? The perfect beginning to my day. Makes me want to find some beauty close by.
Maureen Doallas says
You’re one of my favorite cheerleaders, Laura!
Rosanne Osborne says
Walking with Rain
http://poetryhawk.blogspot.com/2012/06/walking-with-rain.html
Maureen Doallas says
Thank you for sharing your poem. I like how you’ve personalized the rain. Lovely word pictures in your imagery.
Britton Minor says
That was incredibly moving. Your call for a response was like a storm, and I quelled it here: http://www.thejadedlens.com/2012/06/23/ego/
Thank you Maureen.
Maureen Doallas says
Thank you so much, Britton. I left a comment on your blog.
debra says
A marriage made in heaven, these two spirits!
Maureen Doallas says
Thank you for reading and commenting, Debra.
Donna says
walking rain walking rain walking rain I kept hearing that phrase… beautiful piece
I wrote a poem today and it’s all your fault! ;o) It’s called rain walking slowly and i thank you for the inspiration, and for light on a way up from gray
http://unmixingcolors.typepad.com/along_the_way/2012/06/rain-walking-slowly.html
Maureen Doallas says
You mentioned you feel called to set this to music. I can imagine that! Let us know when we can hear the poem, too.
Thank you for imagining with us.
Donna says
I sure will!
Randall Tipton says
Wow, this is such a nice honor! Thanks to all of you for responding!