The last drought was brutal to reservoirs.
Moisture disappeared, leaving behind
a vast alien landscape of craters,
parched and absent their usual fill.

Now, after more storms than we thought likely,
lakes have returned to their abandoned beds
and soil throughout the county drank enough
so that groundwater is somewhat replenished. 

What is to be done in a time of plenty?
Flood our lawns with care they were deprived of? 
Yesterday the sprinklers were on all night.

This morning I hear the runoff gurgle
down the sidewalk drain as it makes its way
           irrevocably toward the ocean.