after the rain . . .

at night we hear it on our rooftops
a gentle lullaby soothing us into slumber
a rhythmic cleansing breath of freshness 
the ground soaking it up as if it has been weeks since its last drink
when in reality it has probably just been hours
often we are immune to its beauty
we drive to and from the grocery store
our back windows cracked just a bit to let the freshness inside 
windshield wipers keeping time with the radio
we leave our umbrellas at home, lost in the depths of our garages
preferring our REI raincoats with their gore-tex hoods
and our wash and go haircuts
children own colorful rain-boots and puddles never lose their magic
mother's wipe noses and carry extra socks
and sometimes we picnic in our cars
because even though we thought it was just a shower
it has turned to rain
and there is a difference you know
the smell is like starting all over again
the slate wiped clean of life's grime and impurities
the sweet air finding its way into our homes though cracked windows
and open back doors
where we often opt to add another layer rather than close it out 
of our lives all together
petrichor;
i never knew there was a real name for it
i always just closed my eyes and inhaled
:::

is there rain at your house today? 
xoxo

linking up with Kim over at texture tuesday today.