monsoon season

the water is jumping off the sidewalk
the air is white with spray
from the drops forcing their way
to Earth
in sheets
the gutters are choking
trying to deal with
the excess of water
they weren't built for this sort of thing

spears of lightning crack the sky
into pieces
thunder resonates around the city
scaring every animal
and small child
how could something be so
loud
the very air seems heavy
and swirling dark clouds
loom

across the street the wind
carries cardboard boxes
around a white trash neighbor's lawn
though they get heavier with
each new bit of
torrential rain

lightning crosses the sky again
the puddles reflect it
distorted by ripples
shingles
roses
wind chimes
basketball hoops

drip

this is monsoon season in suburbia