a little particle of rain

that from a passing cloud descended:

was heard thus idly to complain:

"my brief existence now is ended!

outcast alike of earth and sky,

useless to live, unknown to die!"

it chanced to fall into the sea,

and there an open shell received it;

and after years how rich was he

who from its prison-house released it!

the drop of rain had formed a gem

to deck a monarch's diadem.

anonymous