how does it feel?
after the rain
when the depth
of the storm
finally settles in
and you shake
yourself dry
and look for the sun
through all the clouds

and you walk
through the puddles
splash all the way
watch all the worms
wiggle on the walkway
stolen from their homes
left out to dry
and the air smells bitter
like smokey wetness

and the cars trudge through
sending waves up either side
too small to surf on
but big enough to drench
if you venture too close
and little droplets
pop off the leaves of trees
and hit you on the nose
with a cool wet dash
of mom nature

and you see branches blown
and papers scattered so carefree
and overturned umbrellas
that rode the wind
just as long as they could
before they settled
high atop power lines
the birds quietly peep
as they whap
the water from their wings
and try to get airborne
yet again

and you run through
the puddles now
the child within
leads the way
and you watch
the sunlight
blinking at first
trying to peep through
skinny strands of gold
and you turn your head
almost till it hurts
and you look hard
for that mystical rainbow

and then there it stands
right before you
and you slowly
and most delicately
step your foot upon it
and walk its path
of so many colors
high up into the sky
and you find your home.