prairie lightning

(on the porch)

We went from below zero winter weather to a week of rain so I brought out this older poem.

Photo by Gordon Schenck © 2021

prairie lightning 2019.09.13

she said she couldn't stay inside
with the tension impending
and our conversation ending
picking up our glasses 
we exited the house for the veranda

counting off seconds
from flash to first peal of thunder
we sank into the chairs
and our thoughts
and the wonder

of prairie lightning
on this late summer night
waiting for the rain
to drench the grain
surrounding the farmhouse

we thought of our spouses
that were elsewhere
in closed up houses
with central air

the thunder rolled in 
softly building in waves
unfolding across the land
from right to left
rising 
diminishing
finally leaving us bereft

one of us spoke of leaving
for ecuador
or portugal 
or spain

soon to part but not grieving
on the porch
with friends
in the rain

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Photo by Gordon Schenck © 2021

And of course, some rain music on the playlist.

I Can't Stand The Rain - Ann Peebles

Wicked Rain - Los Lobos

Riders on the Storm - The Doors