Splish, splash ...
Two pudgy feet clad in floppy pink crocs jump off the bottom step and land in a puddle.
Sploosh!
Rain comes down heavy, bubbles forming on the asphalt as little drops collide with the ground. She points a dimpled finger at the black street and giggles, "Bubbas, Momma!"
Plip, plop ...
Tiptoeing out into the grass, her ladybug umbrella hides her gleeful face. One little hand peeks out from under the red and white covering, fingers wiggling in the rain. She laughs and the umbrella slips back, the pole resting on her shoulder. The handle gripped in her wet hand. She turns her dimpled grin toward me and I can't help but smile. Such joy!
A flash lights up the sky followed by a low rumble, a growling from the clouds. Her delight turns to distress, eyes wide, smile slipping. Another flare, a louder grumble and she scurries up the steps. Panic in her every move, fast feet and fluttering hands.
Her footsteps are soggy, bare feet slipping inside her plastic shoes.
Squitch, squelch ...
She topples into my lap here on the top step under the protection of the porch. The cluster of ladybugs lays forgotten in the grass. Her shoulders are damp; dark hair hangs in clumps, sticking to her forehead and cheeks. A single raindrop glimmers, hanging off an eyelash. She looks up at me, resting her head against my chest. Her smile creeps back into place. "Sing the song, Momma?"
Pitter, patter, pitter, patter,
Listen to the rain!
Pitter, patter, pitter, patter,
Listen to the rain!
Our God in heaven,
He makes the rain fall,
He makes the rain fall down!
This is very, very sweet. I can practically see her chubby cheeks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet picture. I have a grandson who was excited this morning because it was raining and he had new boot. The wonder of childhood, captured.
ReplyDeleteYou captured wonderfully the mercurial mood shifts of those her age. I loved this line: A single raindrop glimmers, hanging off an eyelash. A detail that maybe only a mother looking that closely would notice.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing, the imagery this inspired while I read, like an inner movie. Awesome arrangement of words.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely moment captured. I can see her and her wonder and joy at the rain, and then wanting the comfort of familiar arms and a familiar song.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Love the ease and tranquility of this piece and the special sweet relationship of child and protector.
ReplyDeleteCharming and brilliant. Love the take on the prompt, and especially all the sounds. So captivating.
ReplyDeleteA child in a summer rain storm is a gorgeous response to the prompt. So glad I came buy to read!
ReplyDelete