Thunder Shower Serenade

A Mid-July Mo(u)rning Song

Photo by Abhinav Arya on Unsplash

Awakened early by rumbling thunder
I stirred, then returned to sleep
not deep sleep, but restful repose,
noting birds hadn’t yet begun singing.

Upon next awakening, rain had arrived
heavy, steady,
sounds and smells 
so refreshing
through open windows of summer.

Looking out I saw thick cloud cover
hovering over trees of bright green.
Breathing in I smelled “green”;
green
and clean
drowning all traces of night.

In this light I thought birds
should be singing.
Where do they hide
when the deluge arrives?

I didn’t rise to close my windows.
I lay still, 
soaking in full immersion.

As the cloud cover thinned
the rain’s decrescendo
cued familiar layers
of birdsong;
Out of hiding, 
they welcomed the calm.

Morning fully arrived,
gentle and cool,
respite from
a few days of heat.

I received these few minutes
and all that they carried
as a gift from a loving creator:
Shock of thunder;
Weight of clouds, suspended;
Singing delayed, a long treble rest;
Sudden and complete release;
Dissipating darkness;
Gently growing light;
Winged ensemble’s serenade, right on time.

I recognized this pattern
In life’s trials.
Will this metaphor take root 
in my soul? 
Will I finally learn to rest
in wonder? 
To allow natural unfolding
without fear?

As if Creator’s gift was just for me,
I smiled - imagined
an accompanying note:
“Here’s a shower. 
All is clean.
Air is cool and clear.”

Then, sensing my gratitude
for the fresh beginning,
she whispered in my ear:
“You’re welcome.”