Surprises

thunder rumbles
in the distance
fog shrouds the hills
making each rain shower
a delightful surprise
each drop that falls
onto the metal cabin roof
finds a ridge directing
its path to the edge
metronome drops falling
and splashing as they hit
the wooden railing
next to the steps where we sit
making many little drops
that continue on their way
surprising the thirsty ground
marking our time here as surely
as the old kitchen clock
on the mantel
as its gong sounds the hours
time does not pass any faster
because we do
it will still leave us behind
we can't hang on to the raindrops
or the sounds of the hours
just the seconds of surprises
as they come and go so quickly
all left to the skillful
hands of time