Rainfall

The rainfall makes me listen
it babbles like a brook down the gutters
it taps tirelessly on the skylights

The rainfall comforts me
it prompts me to light a fire
it reminds me that I am sheltered and warm and safe

The rainfall makes me feel
the warmth of my cup of tea and the steam on my face
the presence of my husband next to me

The rainfall makes me see
the green and brown and gray of the day
the puddles of mud waiting for yellow children's boots

The rainfall makes me pause
to listen
to feel
to see

The rainfall gives me comfort
that I am alive