People
Welcome as kindly showers to the long parched earth.
— John Dryden
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
This is a simile about relief after a long dry spell. Whatever is being welcomed arrives the way gentle rain arrives on ground that has been thirsty for ages. The word 'kindly' makes the rain feel generous and caring, not just useful, so the welcome is warm and grateful.
Context reviewed