Rainy days

Rainy days: love 'em or hate 'em? I hear a lot of people complain about them so it got me to wondering... Upon further reflection, I realized I have a sort of love-dissatisfaction relationship with rain (hate is such a strong word, and it certainly doesn't adequately describe how I feel about rain anyway).

Let's start with the bad: getting soaked on the walk to work. Going out in windy rainstorms that contort and wrench your umbrella until finally blowing it inside-out. Forgetting your umbrella at home. Thunder that cracks so loud your heart jumps into your throat or stops altogether for a beat or two. Dangerous driving conditions and subsequent accidents. Thoroughly drenched sneakers that slosh around with water and turn toes pruney. Icky earthworms unceremoniously unearthed. Being ungraciously splashed by cars when standing too close to the street. Lightning that strikes a bit too close for comfort. The awful number the 100% humidity does on wavy/curly hair.

Now for the good: a day of rest from blinding sunshine and stifling heat. Ethereal lightning bolts like a split-second message from the sky. The soothing soporific gray cloud cover and the absolutely exquisite sound of the rain, whether pitterpattering or pounding down. The slick shiny pavement, and kids playing in puddles (maybe even a few adults, too). Lush plants, viridian grass, satisfied flowers and contented trees. Deep booming thunder like a happy giant's laugh. Beads of water on leaves and streaks like small streams running down windowpanes. Participating in an almost timeless and essential transformation of terrestrial elements--without even having to lift a finger.

Rainy days: love 'em or hate 'em? Whatever your response, one thing's for sure: we wouldn't be around for very long without them.