Storms

When I think of storms,

I think of dark, cloudy skies.

I imagine big booms of thunder, and flashing lightning.

Pouring rain and strong gusting winds.

But what if...

Storms could be happy.

Storms could be memorable, filled with joy and color.

Imagine this...

It is the middle of summer.

Its humid outside, but starting to cool down now.

You just got home from the pool, and sit on top of your dad’s car.

It’s shiny coating reflects the warm sun setting from right above the treeline.

You lay out your towel and set down a container of fresh, ripe strawberries,

straight from your friend’s farm.

You take a bite of the cool, juicy fruit,

the sweetness of it fills your mouth and makes you smile.

You gulp down strawberry after strawberry, each one more tasty than the last.

Everything is peaceful...

But then, a soft grumble shakes from within the sky,

and you look up to see, the setting sun being covered by huge grey puffy clouds.

They almost look like they are upset.

Drip...

Drip…

Splat!

Raindrops fall from the clouds and hit you on the head.

Lightning strikes, followed by an orchestra of growling thunder.

The rain begins pouring, like someone is dumping buckets on you.

You run back inside, taking your towel and empty container of strawberries with you.

You grab your sister and you run back outside, and into the street.

You and your sister are still in your swimming suits, from when you were at the pool.

You feel your feet on the warm, wet concrete, and remember you are barefoot.

Feeling like you are in a movie, you start singing songs,

screaming the lyrics cheerfully at the top of your lungs.

Then… you dance, jumping and twirling everywhere.

The rain is harder and heavier now.

You jump in a giant puddle and it splashes your sister.

You both giggle and continue running around.

Your hair is soaking wet, and beads of water are sitting on your eyelashes, dripping down your face as you blink.

You hear your mom call for you and your sister.

She tells you to come back into the house, so you do of course.

She greets you with a warm, clean towel, fresh out of the dryer.

Looking back through the window, you see the rain, still pouring, and you wave goodbye.

~

So, storms can be happy.

Lake

What's in the Lake?

Leafy seaweed, dancing in the waves.

Little fishies, swimming happily.

Smooth pebbles, different shapes, colors, and sizes.

Trash, thrown carelessly into the water.

Sand, slips through my hand as I pick it up.

Lost items that once had a home.

My feet, wriggle through the sand.

Sea shells, small and delicate.

That is what is in the lake.

Trees
They can be tall

They can be small

They have roots

That provide support

Most have leaves

Different colors

Warm and cold

As the seasons greet them

One by one

Oh, I see you, maple tree

Standing firmly

In my front yard

I stand beneath your canopy

Oh, I see you, leafy green

You give me sweet, fresh air to breathe

Fall

Many colors, dance and shine.

Yellow, red, and even orange.

The crispy leaves crunch beneath,

my happy, dancing, little feet.