Rain Bird Do Over

After posting the photo and article about my Rain Bird and his poem, I decided that the photo showed how plain the canvas was. So, I'm in the middle of a Do Over for the Rain Bird canvas. I'll be posting a new photo on Monday, showing rain clouds, a different color on the umbrella, new legs and the poem. Yes, I'm having fun with this! :o)

Rain Bird sings "Rain Rain Go Away"

This little Rain Bird jumps into the summer rain with his umbrella and Wellington boots! He scampers in the summer flowers, singing and chirping.

Rain rain go away
Come again some other day
Little Birdy wants to play
Rain rain go away



History of "Rain rain go away" poem:
The origin of the lyrics to "Rain rain go away" are said to date back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603), one of the English Tudor monarchs. During this period of English history there was constant rivalry between Spain and England culminating in the launch of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The Spanish Armada consisted of many Spanish galleons and was sent to invade England. The Armada was led by Duke of Medina Sedonia and the the fleet numbered over 130 ships. The English fleet, under Admiral Lord Howard, totalled 34 small Navy vessels and 163 armed merchant ships. But the great Spanish Armada was defeated. Only 65 Spanish galleons and just 10,000 men returned to Spain. The attempt failed, not only because of the swift nature of the smaller English ships but also by the stormy weather which scattered the Armada fleet. Hence the origin of the "Rain rain go away" Nursery rhyme!

The original version of Rain Rain Go Away:

Rain rain go away,
Come again another day.
Little Johnny wants to play;
Rain, rain, go to Spain,
Never show your face again!

My Rain Bird art is a combination of acrylics, paper sculpture and beads. Created on a gallery-wrapped canvas, this little bird is sure to brighten nursery walls.