Bombs Bursting In Air

Even the hay spread over the mud couldn't stop my feet from getting sucked deeper in the mire. The rain had been constant since early this morning. I still wanted to hear the band that I would sing with on the radio, during the college years. The Little River Band was scheduled to play but as I neared the stage, the announcement advised it was a wash. I had gone prepared. I wore pink capris, rubber boots with hot pink trim, a white v, sleeveless shirt, silver 21 inch long necklace with clover charms and an umbrella. I had thrown a garbage bag in my backpack just for good measure. It was not necessary because wearing it would have not offered any further protection. Besides, there was something freeing about letting the rain pelt my body with no real care or consequence. Not since I was making mud pies or stomping in puddles did I have such fun in the rain. Since there would be no "I was born in the sign of water", I was ready to break out in a little "singing in the rain." The wind caught my umbrella and turned it inside out. I grabbed the corners and pulled it back. It reinverted but from then on it popped in and out as the wind demanded.

I was going to wait for the fireworks but it appeared even those would be diverted. I decided I'd return home. On the walk back, the rain intensified and I decided I would no longer fight the impulse to seek cover. I've been too protected too long, in my work, my friendships, my faith, my follies and even my relationship. It was time to let go and let the water baptize my spirit with desire to linger awhile and breathe.

I had barely changed my wet clothing for dry jammies when the first bomb hit. The pressure from the blast reverberated off the window. I jumped. There was a second and third. The fireworks. I grabbed my robe and flew to the balcony. The river threw up a cool breeze as the wind tiptoed off the white caps. My face was damp from the spitting rain. The colors mixed in reds, greens, blues and silver stars shot out from the remnants. The bombs bursting in air signified the adjournment of the festival and as I lingered, I examined the contents of my heart and breathed.