Snails

We live like snails
between raindarkened stones,
or in the shadow of a leaf.

There we listen
for the low roll of thunder.
We listen
for the tapping fingers of rain.

We belong to those rainy days,
and to the gray sky.
We belong to the moon at night.

When the world is moist again
we venture from the root
like little pilgrims,
to drink from a jewel of dew.

- D.N. Knight