Pitter patter

I lay awake listening to the rain tapping on my window pane.


Tapping to come in.



In the yellow lamplight, I slide off my bed


Creep over to the window

Lift the latch.
As the window comes up, I am overcome by a sudden, irresistible urge.

I climb like a cat


Onto the windowsill



And leap down to the wet grass below.


Barefoot,

I move through the shadows cast by my fence
Mud sloshing underfoot.

Tip-toe through the gate,


Past my parents dark window,



And into the dull glowing haven of the streetlight.


Darts of water chase me through the night;

Drops of liquid daring enough to parachute down from the heavens.
I stand in the circle of light, staring upwards at the sky,

Watching the droplets curve down towards me in slow motion,


Wondering what had drawn me out this late.



Waiting.


After a time, I become deterred.

The initial magic has fled me, and I turn to make my way back
To my warm, dry room.

But I see a hazy figure standing before me.


I instantly recognize the shape of the body;



tall and skinny.


Tears leap to my eyes,

Mingling with the raindrops running down my face.
You hold out your hand

Motioning towards me.


I stand there,



Overcome by emotion,


Wishing you were really there,

Knowing I could not take that invitation.
Your shadow, made of water droplets

Begins to move towards me.


Had it been anyone else,



I would have ran.


Your shape looks down on me

And I stare up into your outline.
Waiting.

Then your body of raindrops


Reaches up a shimmering hand



And places it above my shoulder.


I smile, knowing it is your way of consolation,

Knowing you feel guilty at my tears.
The sides of your face,

Where I knew your cheeks to be,


Curve outward,



And I know you're smiling too.


I also understand your message;

To wait.
You nod the outline of your head at me,

Liquid shimmering in the dull light,


And bend your face downwards



Towards my forehead.


I feel a wet, solid form brush my skin,

And I am able to understand.
A kiss in the rain.

I close my eyes,


Savoring the moment,



Because I know when I open them,


Your shadow would be gone.

Sure enough, it was.
Standing for a second, staring around,

I realize how drenched I was


And cold.



Turning back towards my house,


I slowly move back through my gate,

Past my parent's window
And creep back through mine.

I lay back on my bed


Huddled under my thick, fluffy blanket,



And once again listen to that gentle tapping against my window.


Pitter patter

I lose track of time listening to the sound
And eventually drift off into the dreamy world

That you never left


And will never be lost from.