The Rain Cleanses

Rain gets so many different reactions.
There are the people who just don't care.
And there go those who tend far too much
To their appearance that a little water
Is just criminal.
And there goes the kid
Who likes rain
But only when equipped with umbrella.

But then there are those
Who love the rain
And don't care about getting a little damp.

Because some of them realize
That rain cleanses.
With enough,
It sweeps leaves and dirt
From the sidewalks into the sewers
And adds a dash of freshness
To the ponds and streams.

It cleanses us, too,
If we let it.
If we allow the rain to wash away what's past
Who knows where we might stand tomorrow,
Which drives the question:
Is cleansing worth it?
Is it worth
The squishing and squeaking shoes?
The drops of water running down the scalp
And next to the ankle, into the sock?
Is it worth that one lucky drop
That hits you right in the ear?

Is it worth it?

For the chance to be Gene Kelly,
Yes.
For the chance to be Lea Salonga's Eponine,
Yes.
For the chance to bloom like the last flower that once refused to grow?

Yes.