Before the Rain

July 24th 2023

In shallow waters

I rest my legs,

weary from the burden

of looming trees

and thunderous clouds;

a storm in approach.

The creek sings to me

in quiet ripples over

polished stones,

and the kisses of

minnows brush against

my calves, softly.

A white moth, stark

against the grey skies,

floats above me,

weaving about in

the heavy air.

Soon, it disappears into

the ferns along the bank,

and the minnows

disperse, returning to

their homes.

And then, it rains.