BEFORE AND AFTER RAIN

It is 6.21 am. I am starting out on my early morning walk. I have entered the docks area. I am looking up and back towards the east. The clouds are suggesting rain. My fantasy is that it will be soft and gentle. Unprotected by rainwear, I will enjoy being rained on after weeks of drought.

In the event, yes and no. The  early drizzle was fine, as I continued – staunchly or stubbornly – to walk away from home.  But the cloud burst, when it came, was fierce and intense. I was thoroughly soaked. My clothes were soaked too. In a more private setting I would have been better off without them, other than footwear. I had to revise my plans.

Reminded once again that nature has its own agency, far more powerful than yours and mine, I made my way home and dried off. In the last stages of the walk  I was earthboound and navigating through patterns of water, some flowing and some still, on the ground. Being, now, a bit wobbly on my feet, this took focus and concentration.

After food and drink in the shelter of my home, I was better able to savour the blessing of this downpour. I now look fondly on the whole experience.