Like a Lover Would

by Jude Okonkwo

It is true that I smile when it rains

not as a cynic does

but with the piercing realization that the birds

didn’t pause their polyphony for you

I guess I am one to fiddle with ideals

When the rain soaks those flakes of grass and soil

I see baptism, an intrusion of grace 

where others perceive a mourning heaven

Perhaps, I too found rescue from Dante’s fantasy

I say this because I found myself writing this poem

when I was bereaved - not writing as a cynic does

 but in the hushed voice of one who has seen the saved

I know you saw my smile as you packed up for another city

Maybe, they thought I would follow faithfully as Jerusalem’s women did

but the broadcast missed its intended target 

and rather humor overwhelmed me with the ridicule of waving goodbye

I’m sure this offering has been deformed by someone’s kaleidoscope

yet know that I smile when the rain falls

much like a lover would

because the universe won’t freeze when my blood drops do