The heavens open

The heavens open, releasing sheets of rain.

I bolt outside in my bathing suit.

There, I exalt in the warm downpour,

galloping barefoot on the soft,
wet grass beside the beach,

like a filly made frolicsome by the wind.

Giddy with life, with the wonder
of it all—rain, glorious rain!
Completely uninhibited, swept up
in the miracle of the monsoon,

I dance my elation, my awe, my aliveness.

Old people peer out at me,
safely sheltered from this
joyous gift from God.

Aurora Winter