AFTER THE RAIN




This is the view from the El Carrascal hillside, looking over the valley towards the Mediterranean Sea. The sun warmed the damp earth after the nights cleansing rains. The air smelt of pine and vibrated with birdsong. 

AFTER THE RAIN 

In Southern country,
where arid desert creeps,
rains fall brings shock
of raging storm violence.

Woken by light strobing hills,
thunder’s drum crashing,
rolling round 'Pop' valley like
Fiesta’s fireworks flare.

Rain comes, sudden, urgent
drumming, drilling on tiles
bouncing off terracotta,
storming from gutter to street.

Rush to batten down old shutters,
pitch pine split from harsh sun,
wind thrashing, driving lashing
rain, spilling onto cold floors.

Wired night of fitful sleep,
broken in anxious unease,
drifting between squalls until
dawn breaks through breathing cloud.

New day, blessed with warming light,
tarmac sparkles on washed streets,
refreshed earth drinks in liquid life,
trees shake limbs bouncing raindrops.

Walk midst green, melody fills resin air,
late sun streams through dark pines,
mountain jagged sharp on blue,
reflected in glimpse of distant sea.



© 2018 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved. 

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