Incipient Storm

Another gray morning, but this one has brought a freshening wind and made the trees dance. The birds are not discouraged, but sing as brightly as they would had the sunrise been fully revealed. Fine filaments released by some plant are drifting in the humming air, glittering despite the overcast. There is such an energy that I am sure rain will arrive soon. The first spring rain! I'll be happy to see it.

Refreshed

A backyard lilac bush had a limb snapped off by the wind -- the only casualty of the late storm. Waking, I found the sound of rain so relaxing that I was lulled back to sleep. By the time I got up, the clouds were parting in the north to reveal patches of pale blue. The glistening world mirrored in countless droplets that clung to every leaf and twig and blade came alive with birds seeking evening meals. Nightfall brought intermittent views of stars and moon, and, though the rain had ceased, the sound of drops falling from the trees. Best of all, the pollen has been suppressed for a day, and I can breathe the chilly air without sneezing, and my head no longer feels like a balloon at the point of bursting. No thunder or lightning came, but the chance of them increases with spring's progress. It will be warming again now, so I am enjoying the freshness while I may. with windows flung wide to the night.