photo from Internet, Anon.

The chipmunk sleeps on dry leaves inside his burrow, nestled against his provisions while the storm begins to rage outside.
Smells of acorn, grass, corn and chestnuts fill the tiny tunnel and now are mingled with the smell of rain wafting gently in on the storm-cooled air.
Sounds, too, come into the nest. The dry creek bed is beginning to come alive with the falling rain and trickles of water accumulate on the parched rocks.
A cricket, grateful for the moisture, but fearful of the drops pounding its perch,
sends his cryptic message out to his kind, then skitters for cover.
Raindrops, lit by flashes of lightning, sparkle as jewels worthy of their value.
Sustainers of life, each drop finds its way deep into waiting cells.
The dance begins, viewed as microscopic life and continuing to universal importance. The gift of life imparted within this tiny, wet equation.

Phil Miller