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1849–1916

WHEN IT RAINS

James Whitcomb Riley

When it rains, and with the rain Never bird has heart to sing, And across the window-pane Is no sunlight glimmering;

When the pitiless refrain Brings a tremor to the lips, Our tears are like the rain As it drips, drips, drips —

Like the sad, unceasing rain as it drips. When the light of heaven's blue Is blurred and blotted quite, And the dreary day to you

Is but a long twilight; When it seems that ne'er again Shall the sun break its eclipse, Our tears are like the rain

As it drips, drips, drips — Like the endless, friendless rain as it drips. When it rains! weary heart, O be of better cheer!

The leaden clouds will part, And the morrow will be clear; Take up your load again, With a prayer upon your lips,

Thanking Heaven for the rain As it drips, drips, drips — With the golden bow of promise as it drips.

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WHEN IT RAINS · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove