Make It Rain/Light a Candle

A big blow whips in, knocking down potted plants, rocking the café lights, a neighbor’s patio umbrella looks set for lift-off.

Another neighbor, a real patriot, brings in his porch flag. U.S.A, U.SA., U.SA., exclamation point! ‘Murica!

The trees sway wild. For now it’s all wind, but a bruise-clouded sky blows in from the west.

I hear panicked chirps from the normally-merry Chimney Swifts. Watch this tree rattle and strike above rooftop and chimney level.

You may hear fire trucks. Now I feel rain drops, slow, intermittent, early signs from above that a deluge is coming, fast and heavy and insistent.

You hear storms like these chasing down your chimney and beating on your rooftop. Neighborhood cats get sucked into the swirl and the dogs bark after them.

Some neighbors hunker in basements while others run for their closets. You step outside and sit on the porch to feel the first drops.

Shutter the windows! Stow the potted plants! Gather the patio furniture!

Sit ye ‘round a book and return to normal order.

If the power dies, light a candle.

Maybe draft a note about it.

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