we camp up the hill, but close enough
to hear the waves lulling us into rich sleep
rain drip-drip-drips in irregular staccato
patterns on the car roof as i wait beside
the school for 3:15
tumbling rocks clatter against boulders
and part of the concrete embankment
testimony to the power of the stream enhanced from above making its unstoppable way through our end of town
dry, sere summer day gathered back to life by the drooling slurp of cows crowding at the stock tank
squish of watery mud oozing up and out of mud puddle i found with my bare toes
wind screeching as though to encourage the rain pounding against the cabin door; there is no other shelter
