On my back porch

rose scents tease my nostrils

the backyard glows gray and green, bright colors muted

a breeze gently brushes my skin, the scorching heat forgotten, the air cool and damp

the tapping, then beating of rain drowns out the rustle of palm trees

gusts of wind throw mist across my arms and face, the wind chimes sing

thunder cracks, maddy's ears flatten, her pupils widen, she sits wary and cautious, still, alert

a waterfall pours off the roof, splashing into a growing pool

trees and bushes wave and dance, thunder rolls and cracks again, the water slows to drizzle, then picks up louder, louder, louder

the green is now muted by mist and falling water

maddy crouches, relaxed, but still alert

I'm the rain, the colors, the dance, the cat

the porch door slams, the cat jumps high, I'm me again