San Diego Reader

The sky, lack luster blue

striped clouds dance like kites tails to the horizon

until the wind comes up

grey, overcast becomes the new display

only the gulls witness the change.

Small drops of rain begin to fall

merely a nuisance

soon there is enough water to mix with the dry dust on the ground

small muddy patches develop

exposed the occasional pedestrian slipping

skating along

as the drops become larger

and quicker

umbrellas pop open.

liquid begins to pool in the once-dusty streets

passing cars avoid deeper puddles

Again

without any fanfare

rolling dark clouds appear

the rain begins in earnest

instantly water runs forcefully through the gutters

until it overflows

out onto the main boulevard.

Crossing any street shoes are soaked through

Pants are wet up to the shins

Stay to the inside

walking on the sidewalks

so that the water spray from passing cars cannot reach them.

Hurrying along now

pressed on by the rusty rivulets

that divide wet and dry into separate camps