Summer Rain Flows Over Us

A rondeau for my baby niece

Summer rain flows over us as your eyes first set to see
Those lovely little droplets bouncing off you and me.
Under gray skies we stand, your little body in my arm
Your eyes squint open, arms flail, heart sets to alarm.
“Be still, little one — you’re safe,” I say, “and free.”

Drops bounce off your perfect face, over your bent knee
You look at me astonished, then smile happily.
Close your eyes, tilt your head, feel each watery charm — 
Summer rain flows over us.

Although I know you may yet be unable to agree
Soon this encounter with the rain will be but a memory.
Then you will hold a tiny one, and they may feel alarm
As drops of summer rain flow down their wee little arm.
Hold them tight, feel them close, then whisper solemnly,
“Summer rain flows over us.”