Birds in the Rain Through Water-Streaked Windows

rain day afternoon

Birds in a tree through rain-drenched window (photo by author)

soft pitter-patter
raindrops on skylight
happy pitter-patter
birds in the tree scouting feeders
suet empty (thanks, squirrels!)
seed running low
peaceful pitter-patter
gentle ra—

¡C*R*A*C*K!

BOOOOOM

RUMBLE RUMBLE rumble rumblerumblerumble

birds scatter
peace over
rain like buckets
winds like wrath of gods
phone lights up with weather warnings
(little late, folks)
gurgles of water rushing in drainpipes
splashing over rocks and gushing over grass
nature angry and resentful

denied respite outside
I look within for peace and hear
the laments of parents
crying over their dead children

It’s not just you, Harry…