Rain teases, trickles,
more sweat than shower
air thick and smothering
sits on my chest.
I exhale in puffs
willing chest to rise
begrudging this outing
Cardinal whistles
happy scales, while
somber sky squeezes
a single droplet
kisses my skin
and then explodes
pellet-like missiles
of water soaking
clothes cling
as a river traces
contours of face
body melting
into flow
and through it all
cardinal sings
a laughing melody.
You are a poet and artist non pareil, dear VJ. Love all your word choices which make me feel the experience vicariously–and really love the ending of a cardinal laughing, how rude! 🙂 🙂
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I feel like we are old friends gushing to catch up with one another. Thank you for all your kind compliments. Those laughing birds keep us humble, don’t you think?
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They are little messengers, including reminder to be humble, yes 🙂
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Indeed. Thanks!
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Most welcome 🙂
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I love that closing verse. So much music. Happy Birthday, BTW. 🙂
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Thank you for both!
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🙂
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Love this.
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Thank you!
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Gorgeous image, VJ. And I love the cardinal’s persistence through weather ups & downs.
Back in the ’80s I lived in South Florida – rain a regular inconvenience – but one weekend at a sports-car race with my then-husband (he raced) we were surprised by a sudden downpour as we readied to depart … I remember wishing I’d worn a bra, but thinking oh well, here’s my “wet t-shirt debut” – instead of running for cover, I strolled on out smiling at anyone looking (most were ducking their heads and running for cover).
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Did you know my former husband was a race car driver? Another connection. Love that story.
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Were the Cardinals singing take me out to the ballgame? Great poem!
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Could be. Those cardinals are a bit like sirens of the sea – luring us. Thanks.
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