Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/93



Because a little vagrant wind veered south from China Sea; Or else, because a sun-spot stirred; and yet again, maybe Because some idle god in play breathed on an errant cloud, The heads of twice two million folk in gratitude are bowed.

''Patter, patter. . . Boolcoomatta,'' Adelaide and Oodnadatta, Pepegoona, parched and dry Laugh beneath a dripping sky. Riverina's thirsting plain Knows the benison of rain. Ararat and Arkaroola  Render thanks with Tantanoola  For the blessings they are gaining,  And it's raining—raining—raining!

Because a heaven-sent monsoon the mists before it drove; Because things happened in the moon; or else, because High Jove, Unbending, played at waterman to please a laughing boy, The hearts through all a continent are raised in grateful joy.