A sibilant storm

A sibilant storm

Twists with majestic

Intensity

Precipitation flickers as if

A shoal

Of whitebait

Shadow dancing

Swimming in a heat haze

Not just the lonely,

Barely thinking

Of self-protection

Are unprepared,

Everyone is caught

In the summer rain.

Hot and steamy

Draped together

Gathered beneath

Drooping awnings

Collectively secure

Soaked for a moment

In pre-wash mode

Feeling the cool drift

Of a withering breeze

Clothes hanging, creased

Sticky with salt and sweat

The sun a torment

In a treacherous sky

As the energy of the day

Leaks into the cracks

In the pavement

Sensitive eyes smart

Pollen washed through

Every drop an irritant

Whatever happened to acid rain

How would we fair

In a nuclear winter

Ashes to ashes

Is there any life on Mars

Are the storms dry

Blow me down

With a feather boa

The sky is clear

The air breathable

Excuses are made

Embarrassment is assuaged

With a shy smile

Red rimmed eyes averted

Straightening ties

Smoothing skirts

Rainwater drying

On bare legs

Alligator shoes

We shuffle on

Dripping dry

Into a used

Teabag afternoon.