not for what's said

a drop or two no more the message rain
to come or not to come that's hard to say
clouds promise much but this is an odd day
the wind is light but trees appear to strain
there's a signal but one not clear nor plain
april is here and then shall come bright may
the promised showers we hope are on the way
we need to wash away the deep dull stain
so time and tide may not for any wait
but still we're driven to meet the deadline hour
there's none but us will pay the butcher's bill
or not if that's what's to be decreed by fate
while captains play at chess in the dark tower
naught's left but fumbling in a greasy till