it begins so suddenly
an outburst falling from the sky
the people in the street run for shelter
with newspapers stretched valiantly
to protect their owners from the downpour

with a crack and a rumble
the thunder rolls across the sky
rattling store windows with the depth of its voice

a quick flash of lightning
then another crack

it stops as quickly as it began
a hush has fallen over the busy streets
for a few brief moments the city lays quiet
amazed at the beauty of summer rain

a car down the lane rolls through a puddle
washing the curbside with a gentle splash
the birds are chirping the songs of summer
while the children venture back out to play

rain drops fall from the trees
which are brighter and greener than ever

a robin flies down to a puddle
strutting around -- it raises a wing
with a quick twirl and a whistle
it lowers the wing while raising the other

the robins dance beckons others
to join in his fun
as they now dance in the remnants
of the refreshing summer bath

the children giggle and laugh
the older folks sit outside
enjoying the cooler temperature
and the aroma of the beautiful
summer rain