Rain by Raymond Carver
Rain
Raymond CarverWoke up this morning with
a terrific urge to lie in bed all day
and read. Fought against it for a minute.Then looked out the window at the rain.
And gave over. Put myself entirely
in the keep of this rainy morning.Would I live my life over again?
Make the same unforgiveable mistakes?
Yes, given half a chance. Yes.
MARGINALIA
The year is ending. Some things are destroyed: a city, plans, relationships. Yet some things are also being rebuilt: this house. My life.
endnotes
This poem appeared in All of Us: The Collected Poems by Raymond Carver, published by Vintage Books, 1996. Shared here with profound gratitude.
Read more works by Raymond Carver • Find books by this poet • Or view my library
Explore poems in pursuit of: existence • mistakes • rain • Or browse the index
dear reader
This little corner of the world is my passion project since 2005. My commitment is that it will always remain free to all. If this place holds meaning for you, would you consider supporting it? This can be in the form of a cup of coffee (+ other ways).
Note that Read A Little Poetry may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through any links on this site. It is at no additional cost to you and helps in the upkeep of this space.
Thank you for being here all these years—and into the future—as I hold poets to the light.
E.
i like what you wrote more than the poem. no offend to Raymond Carver though.
Kai
This poem’s last stanza just made me suck in a deep and shaky breath. The things poetry does. Thank you, and thank you for your hope.
val dering rojas
Raymond Carver is my absolute number one favorite writer EVER. And if nobody gets that, then it’s their loss. You get it.
Pingback: Go into the arts. I’m not kidding. « Finding Bliss
kr
My student used this poem in her project today. I love when my kids teach me something beautiful,
M
Love this one so, so much.
T.
I’m thrilled to hear that this poem resonated with you so deeply. It’s always rewarding to see when a piece touches a chord with our readers. Thank you for your comment, and I hope you continue to find poems here that you love as much as this one.
T.
Pingback: Poems for a rainy day – Katyisms