The Rain

I remember the rain.
Not much else.
Sitting on the porch crying
Because everybody else was,
And watching my tears
Blend with the rain
To form puddles
Which dripped into the street
And were splashed up by the cars
As they turned into the driveway
Ruining my new dress shoes
But I didn’t care
Because they gave me blisters.
I couldn’t help but wonder
If the rain could wash my tears
All the way to the ocean
(Which was only around the block)
And eventually to Japan.
We had tried to send a bottle there once
But found it the next day
Washed up on the shore
So I didn’t think my tears
Would make it either.
I threw a rock into the drainpipe
That used to be my favorite hiding spot
And it made a hollow sound
Which was how I felt inside
When everybody told me
How sorry they were
And patted my sopping hair.
I just sat out in the rain
Until they all left
Which wasn’t long
Because no one wanted to stay.
I didn’t wave good-bye,
I just stared into the rain,
The only thing in life
That seemed consistent
And that always has been.
As long as I remember her,
I will remember the rain.