rain

Listen:

thunder
is the night mumbling
deep in its throat
grumbling dark things to itself

the rain is rushing
it is bare feet slapping
the sidewalk
faster and faster

lightning cracks:
rain starts clapping
and clapping, a
standing ovation

the puddles are giggling
the puddles are laughing
tears in their eyes
bright stars in their eyes

thunder is threatening
dark things in the night
beatings and lashings
rain is laughing and laughing

dirt is laughing
grass is laughing
trees are screeching, howling,
busting leaves laughing

rain --