Raining

The assignment of days comes upon us
As surprise, unasked life granted
To the sleeping eyes of unborn men.

Waking, I need to fill the hours
Impose limits upon the moments
That fill my mind's space with promise.

The expectation of fulfillment
Rests like a gilt cloak upon our shoulders,
Heavy with our doubts, a cement-like lining.

Whence the requirement of this destiny?
But leave the question for another hour--
Man must eat, he must heed nature's lawful demands.

What demands, these, I pause to wonder,
What pressure of time, the clock ticking,
What many needs, what judgement waiting!

I look and watch the tree--so many trees--
Choose but one and see how it grows,
Rooted daily in one plot of earth.

How the root presses down for drink,
While branches reach for strength
Heavenward they sway, firmly bound they remain.