Umbrella of Rain

In a backyard rainstorm…

Spanish moss trembling in a downpour, 

on the bird feeder’s plastic face

tiny wet footprints 

desperate squirrels. 

A bamboo wind chime on porch eaves clucks 

and chuckles, 

laughter celebrating long-awaited rain, 

wetness turning grass brighter, 

the crispy green of celery. 

A scene blurred by rain,

filled with the mix of birdsong and far thunder,

while a spear of light from somewhere outside 

illuminates a spot on concrete underfoot. 

Rumbles of thunder, whistling birds 

each part of a larger sound 

inside this umbrella of rain

where drops strike every surface in separate percussion… 

tin roof, leaves, picnic table

concrete and grass

and trees tilt their faces to the sky.