Six months ago we prayed for rain
A downpour that would extinguish the ache
Of loved ones in L.A.
Water that would save their homes
Or at least salvage their scorched hearts
“When it rains it pours,” I said last Monday
Arriving home from one son’s surgery
To find his brother sick with a stomach bug
Lord, we need a break
Thankful for the rain that came days later
Quelling amateur fireworks shows on our street
While I held the older son - now puking in buckets
Praying for him to sleep
While the downpour continued
Whispers of camps and Hill Country neighbors
Turning to pleads
God—please help them
Sometimes we pray for the rain
Sometimes we pray for the sun
Now we pray for the souls of children
And families left undone
We pray not knowing when or how or even if
Anyone is listening
Is anyone listening
Amen