The clouds were gathering and the thunder was distantly rumbling,
I grabbed my umbrella to take a pre-rain walk.
It was coming, the storm, thunder and lightning, and downpours ;
but it wasn't here yet.
I walked the length of the quad, knowing the raindrops were approaching;
the closer I got to the building at the far end, I could hear the beginning.
Plop, plop, gentle and sparse,
the sound coming up behind me as if someone
was following me, yet I stayed a few paces in front of them;
a few quick steps as I round the building to the front door,
the drops chasing but not catching me.
Inside for a moment or two until the storm fully roars.
Back outside, umbrella open,
walking under the protection of old trees,
breathing in the scent, having puddles splash onto pant legs,
and feeling embraced by the storm.
Inside again,
the joy to sit and listen as creation gets a long soaking bath.
