Afternoon Showers

It has been raining a lot here lately, something that is always a blessing in Southeast Texas in July. I know that for a lot of people, rain is a depressing thing, that their moods darken as the clouds cover the sky, but for me, it has always been a peaceful feeling, watching the rain coming down. I am a huge fan of sitting on the porch watching the storms, or even the gentle showers. Rain is emotional for me... what I mean is that I almost feel as though the rain is conveying nature's feelings to me. A soft gentle afternoon shower reminds me of a soft piece of piano music, a lover's dance, a mother's lullaby. The heavier rains remind me of heartbreak, flashing anger, the tumult of pain, and yet... a cleansing. As if after the heavy downpours, the heart has been cleansed, the slate wiped clean, a new beginning is at hand.

I love the way the world looks just before a storm, too. The clouds pour in, and everything takes on a hushed tone. A hushed, but yet frenzied tone, as if the world is rushing to get that last bit of activity in before the showers begin. The colors become soft and muted, the wind picking up and refreshing the air. It is the hustle and bustle of the theater as people get settled before the play begins.

Do I tend to romanticize things just a wee bit? You betcha, that is just part of who I am. I like to see things in the story, in the emotion, in the romance. Sure I understand that life brings hardships and pain, I understand that there are people out there struggling with a variety of circumstances and emotions. But just for a moment, right as the first few fat drops splat on the sidewalk, I can let myself believe that the rain will come and wash it all away and that we can have a fresh start on the day.