Driving in the Rain

To say I’m feeling overwhelmed is understatement; litotes is the term we use in the study of Anglo-Saxon literature. A day’s worth of work to do in the morning hours, an afternoon of teaching at the universities, a long drive to Assumption Parish after I finish my night class.  And according to the weather channel, I’ll likely be doing that drive in the rain. I like rain–if I’m not driving or walking in it.  Anyway, the thought of rain (it always drives me inward) reminded me of a poem I wrote some time ago. I thought I’d include it with this post.

Rain

It’s raining today, as
Forecast by the experts,
Drizzle and showers
That will turn to snow by Christmas.
We know what rain is,
And we know there’s all kinds–
The kind that dampens the
Spirit till its brittle and mildewed,
Soaking, relentless rain,
Chilling the skin till the heart is cold,
Pounding the pavement of our lives
Till it’s slick with tears and we slide
Into ruts and ditches others have dug,
I never liked the rain . . .
Till I saw you walking in it today,
Head held high, eyes sparkling
Like little green-tinted rainbows.
An umbrella shielding you
From the sky, but not from my eyes.