my window stays open when it rains

no matter how cold it is (just put on another layer)

i'll sit with my hot chocolate and watch things that make me happy

while the rain pours nonstop just a few feet away.

the pipe gurgling outside is just another memory-

listening to it at night means i can forget about growing up;

i can pretend that i'm still exploring the backyard swamp

or leaving trails in the parking lot puddle with a scooter.

and i look up at the clouds only when it's so dark i barely see them

and sigh a long sigh, but a happy one because the air is fresh.

so when i wake up in the morning and everything is bright

but slightly dampened, i can walk without purpose and breathe again.